Disappearing Islands: Marshall Islands Artifact
From a Nation on the Frontlines of Climate Change The Marshall Islands consist of 29 coral atolls and 5 low-lying islands in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. Home to over 36,000 people, they are among the most climate-vulnerable places on Earth. With average elevations of just 2 meters, the entire nation faces existential threats from rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and intensifying storms—challenges already underway. At the center of this island nation is Majuro Atoll, the capital and most populous district. Majuro serves as both the political center and a symbol of Marshallese identity, shaped by thousands of years of human history. Yet by mid-century, it may no longer be habitable. Since 1993, sea levels in the region have risen over 20 centimeters, with projections indicating an additional 50 to 100 centimeters by 2100. By the 2030s, Majuro is expected to experience regular wave-driven over wash events, contaminating freshwater supplies and making daily life increasingly