Sri Lanka, a vibrant island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is experiencing the profound effects of climate change, which is significantly altering its environment, economy, and the lives of its communities.
Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
Over the past decade, Sri Lanka has faced a growing frequency of extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, landslides, cyclones, and coastal erosion. Between 2008 and 2018, droughts alone affected nearly eight million people, particularly in the Northern Province. Notable droughts in 2014, 2016-17, and 2019 severely impacted agricultural productivity and water supplies (Climate Change Knowledge Portal, Pulitzer Center). These extreme weather events are a direct result of climate change and pose serious challenges to the nation's resilience.
Threats to Agriculture and Food Security
The agricultural sector in Sri Lanka is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, increased pests, and the spread of crop diseases are reducing crop yields and affecting food security. As a result, rural communities dependent on farming are facing economic hardships, and food insecurity is becoming an increasing concern. Climate change disrupts the delicate balance of the agricultural ecosystem, further exacerbating the challenges for farmers (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
Health Risks from Rising Temperatures
As temperatures rise across the island, there are increasing health risks, particularly for outdoor workers in urban areas. With inadequate cooling systems and infrastructure in place, extreme heat conditions are becoming more frequent and more intense. This poses significant risks to human health, including heat strokes and dehydration, especially for vulnerable populations such as laborers, children, and the elderly (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
Loss of Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems
Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity is under threat as climate change accelerates environmental degradation. The nation's rainforests, home to unique flora and fauna, have seen a drastic 17% decline in biomass between 1978 and 2018. Droughts, changing rainfall patterns, and the spread of fungal pathogens are contributing to the loss of native tree species. This, in turn, is affecting the biodiversity of the island’s ecosystems and diminishing the ability of these forests to store carbon, further accelerating climate change (Yale School of the Environment).
Economic and Social Challenges
The compounded effects of climate change are pushing vulnerable communities further into poverty. Sri Lanka’s rural areas, where the impacts of extreme weather are felt most, face increasing economic instability. Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest segments of society, making it harder for them to adapt to the evolving environment. The widening economic gap is deepening social inequalities, leading to greater challenges in achieving sustainable development (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
Sri Lanka's Climate Vulnerability
Sri Lanka is widely recognized as one of the countries most at risk from climate change and extreme weather events. Its geographical location and socio-economic factors make it highly susceptible to climate-related disasters. Rising sea levels, more frequent cyclones, and unpredictable rainfall patterns present significant challenges for the island nation’s future. Addressing these challenges requires urgent attention and robust action (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
The Way Forward
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, Sri Lanka must implement comprehensive strategies aimed at both adaptation and mitigation. This includes adopting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, developing health policies to manage heat-related illnesses, and reducing carbon emissions. In addition, international support and collaboration will be essential to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to cope with the multifaceted threats posed by climate change.
OACRI stands committed to raising awareness and facilitating global cooperation to tackle the climate crisis. Together, we can help protect Sri Lanka’s future and the wellbeing of its people in the face of mounting environmental challenges.