Many atolls may be unihabitable within decades due to climate change

Abstract

Observations show global sea level is rising due to climate change, with the highest rates in the tropical Pacific Ocean where many of the world's low-lying atolls are located. Sea-level rise is particularly critical for low-lying carbonate reef-lined atoll islands: these island have limited land and water available for human habitatio, water and food sources and ecosystems that are vulnerable to inundation from sea-level rise.