InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Case Studies > Section A: World-Wide Examples > The Maldive Islands
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

The Maldive Islands

The Maldive Islands are composed of a chain of nearly 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean. These low-lying islands (with a maximum elevation of about 2 meters) are atolls, or rings of coral reef structure. The capital, Male is the destination for western tourists, while many of the islands are uninhabited. The Maldive people are traditionally Islamic, and tourism is discouraged in parts of the archipelago in order to maintain traditional Islamic values. Their low elevation puts the Maldives in harm's way in terms of coastal hazards. The islands received the Tsunami of 2004 with devastating results, and ongoing sea level rise is creating a grim prognosis for the Maldives' future.

The island nation's first democratically elected president was Mohamed Nasheed, who led the nation from 2008 to 2012. The video linked below features Mr. Nasheed during his presidency as he campaigns to raise awareness of and find ways to save the Maldives from inundation. His approach is to appeal to world leaders to take more seriously carbon emissions reduction in order to reduce sea level rise. This is the President's Mission. As you watch the video, consider the options for the people of the Maldives and ask the question: How realistic is the President's Mission? What do YOU think the future holds for the Maldives?

 

Learn More about the Maldive Islands

Map of the Maldive Island chain

A brief country profile

Central Intelligence Agency country profile (detailed)

The President's Mission

The Island President video (2 mins 28 seconds)

This video addresses the plight of an island nation threatened by sea level rise. The president is on a mission to convince other world leaders and to influence decisions on global carbon policy. Watch the short video.

Activate Your Learning

This exercise is not for credit, but you will be expected to understand this material.

Respond to this story:

 

Question - Essay

Make notes on the President's dilemma: Can human behavior as a whole change enough to reduce the cumulative carbon footprint and reduce sea level rise? Is the Island President's mission realistic or futile?

 

 

Blog Entry

Respond to both of the situations outlined in locations 1 and 2 above: Make a blog entry on the following questions:

  1. Is the Island President's mission realistic or futile?
  2. Now you understand the challenges of coastal hazards a little better, would you rather live in the Maldives or in a coastal city in the Philippines? What actions would you take to protect residents if you were a leader of one of these communities?

The entry should be 50 – 100 words.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »