There are dozens of islands sinking into the sea around the world, and New Moore Island is the latest. Both India and Bangladesh have made claim to New Moore Island, which is situated between the two countries. Bangladesh residents that live on some of these islands have long since taken a short term loan to live on drier shores, but the issue is not improving. Rising sea levels have claimed more than just New Moore Island, but this tiny disputed island is providing more attention to the issue than ever before.
The two lives of New Moore Island
At less than 3 square miles, New Moore Island is a relatively small chunk of disputed land. The government of India claimed the island as part of their territory, saying that New Moore Island fell within recognized maritime borders. On the other hand, Bangledesh also claims what they call South Talpatti. New Moore Island has never been residence to any permanent settlements. The conflict began in 1970, when the Bhola cyclone revealed the tiny chunk of land. At one point, India established a temporary base on South Talpatti / New Moore Island, but international opinion remains split.
Sea levels rise beyond New Moore Island
As reported by the BBC, the School of Oceanographic Studies in Calcutta has officially determined New Moore Island to be submerged by sea water. Local fishermen have confirmed the accounts that New Moore Island is no more. Before the year 2000, sea levels in the majority of the world went up by approximately 3 millimeters a year, but between 2000 and 2010 sea level has risen at about 5 millimeters per year. Where New Moore Island sits, in the Sundarban Island Chain, sea levels are rising at the rate of 3.14 centimeters a year. New Moore Island is the fifth island in the Sundarbans to sink to the sea – preceded by Bedford, Lohachara, Kabasgadi, and Suparibhanga.
More island nations might sink
New Moore Island and the Sundarban Island chains are not the only islands at risk of sinking into the ocean. For years, an island nation known as the Maldives has been losing ground. The highest point in the Maldives is only 8 feet above ocean level, so even a high tide can create problems for citizens. The government of the Maldives is building an artificial island called Hulhumale nearby for residents to move to. Between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is also quickly losing ground. There are 11,000 residents of Tuvalu, all of whom will be devoid of a home in as little as 50 years. A few residents of Tuvalu – 75, to be exact – can use military personal loans to move to New Zealand. Tonga, Kirbati, and the Marshall Islands are also at risk of disappearing just like New Moore Island did.
Can the islands be saved?
In the end, there is no way to precisely measure the cause and effect of small islands ending up in the ocean. Not only do sea levels regularly change, but islands can also rise and sink separately from the ocean. There are also arguments about if the increased water levels are due to global climate change or natural fluctuations in the climate. Governments are being asked to discover solutions for islands like New Moore Island, though, because there is no way to stop an island from sinking once it has started.
