Gardi Sugdub: The Vanishing Island of the Americas
Gardi Sugdub, a Caribbean island inhabited by the Indigenous Guna people, is at risk of vanishing due to climate change, potentially creating climate refugees in the Americas.
Located near Panama's coast in the San Blas archipelago, nearly 1,300 Guna reside on the 400m by 150m island, which has been their home for over a century.
Escalating sea levels have increased flooding on Gardi Sugdub, with current rates at 3.4mm annually according to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Most of the Guna's islands are only a meter above sea level, making their future habitation unlikely. In response, the Guna community plans to relocate to a newly developed mainland site called Isber Yala, beginning in February 2024.
Historically, the Guna have lived off fishing and embraced a vibrant culture, language, and traditional mola clothing. However, sea level rise, reef destruction from island expansion, and pollution have threatened their way of life and forced them to diversify into tourism.
The island's density, sanitation issues, and limited freshwater supply have compounded these environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Isber Yala represents hope, featuring concrete homes, modern amenities, and essential community structures like a new Congress House. Despite skepticism, the mainland community might ensure a more stable future for the Guna as they face the realities of climate change.
Escalating sea levels have increased flooding on Gardi Sugdub, with current rates at 3.4mm annually according to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Most of the Guna's islands are only a meter above sea level, making their future habitation unlikely. In response, the Guna community plans to relocate to a newly developed mainland site called Isber Yala, beginning in February 2024.
Historically, the Guna have lived off fishing and embraced a vibrant culture, language, and traditional mola clothing. However, sea level rise, reef destruction from island expansion, and pollution have threatened their way of life and forced them to diversify into tourism.
The island's density, sanitation issues, and limited freshwater supply have compounded these environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Isber Yala represents hope, featuring concrete homes, modern amenities, and essential community structures like a new Congress House. Despite skepticism, the mainland community might ensure a more stable future for the Guna as they face the realities of climate change.
Comments
Doug 324 days ago
The climate has been changing since the beginning of time and man has to change also.
