Access to clean water is important for many reasons. For example:
Coastal flooding happens when water from the ocean rises and covers land near the coast.
Climate change makes this worse in two ways. Warmer temperatures cause ice to melt, which makes the ocean rise higher. Stronger storms caused by climate change also bring big waves and heavy rain.
This means places near the ocean can flood more often and more severely. People who live here may need to evacuate to avoid danger.
FIIRE Indigenous Perspectives: The kwinɑyɫ (Quinault) and Rising Sea Levels
Global sea level rise happens because the ocean is getting warmer and the ijɪmmɑ hənč̓o (ice is melting) from glaciers. From 1880 to 2023, sea levels have risen by 8-9 inches worldwide.
Low areas that are jɪluunɑwW (by the ocean) are affected the worst. Certain Pacific Islands, large port cities, and small seaside towns are all at risk of flooding and tsunamis.
The city of Taholah in the Quinault Nation is facing the reality of rising sea levels. Due to increasing ocean flooding, the residents of Taholah are being forced to relocate the entire city away from the tɑptɑɑnə (shore) and up to higher ground.
Improved ocean flood alarms could help keep the city safe as it relocates to safer ground.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Why do you think jɪluunɑwW levels are rising?
What are some ways that we can help keep people and animals living in coastal communities safe from coastal flooding?
