0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:02 > 0:00:03- I'm Siwan Davies.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- My work involves studying - the causes of climate change...
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- ..thousands of years ago.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- I collect evidence - from archaic volcanic ash...
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- ..beneath Greenland's ice sheet.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- These were regular, - natural occurrences.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- The warming we see now is unnatural - and doesn't follow the pattern.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- I've left my laboratory - to visit two different countries...
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- ..where people are already facing - the climate challenge.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- I began my journey in Greenland...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..and was astounded by the speed - at which the ice is melting...
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- ..causing an average - of 500 billion litres of water...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..to flow into the sea every day.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- It's started melting - two months earlier this year.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- If all the ice caps melted, the - sea level would rise seven metres.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- On the other side of the world - are small islands...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..that are only a metre - from the water.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- These are islands like the Maldives - that are starting to disappear.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- I journeyed to the Maldives...
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- ..where people are fighting - to protect their islands.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- Tourism is essential to the economy.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- I witnessed the problems - facing the capital, Male...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..an overcrowded city - only a metre away from the sea.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- One solution is to build - another island one metre higher.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- But will it be enough? The effects - of climate change are dire here.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- Rubbish pollution, - unexpected floods...
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- ..erosion, fewer fish - and a shortage of clean water.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- But it's not only city dwellers - who are suffering.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- I've come to somewhere - completely different...
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- ..to meet the inhabitants - of the small islands...
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- ..a world away from Male - and the luxurious tourist islands.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- These natives - are facing the greatest challenge.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- As dawn breaks over Male harbour - which never sleeps...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- ..I take a boat - to one of the northern islands...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..with a UN representative - to experience life outside the city.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- There are 1,000 coral islands...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..70 of which are holiday islands - and 200 are towns and villages.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- None are higher - than a metre from the sea.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- We're heading - to an island cluster called Noonu...
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- ..to the island of Kudafari, - almost 200km north of Male.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- It usually takes three hours, - but due to a fierce storm...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..the journey - takes six and a half hours.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- I've never been happier - to reach terra firma.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- However, - the welcome is heart-warming.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Kudafari - is a close-knit community of 500...
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- ..many of whom work on other islands - where luxury hotels are situated.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- As it's less than half a mile long - and a quarter of a mile wide...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- ..no dwelling is far from the sea.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- I've come to see - the work the community is doing...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- ..to try and save the island.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- It's young people who've - rallied together to find solutions.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Assisted by the United Nations - and the government...
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- ..they've launched local projects - to save the islands...
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- ..from the effects - that are already happening.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- The people of Kudafari know that no - miracle will solve their problems.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Ali Shameem Mohamed - is one of the leaders.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Changes are happening.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- We don't need scientists to tell us - climate change is happening.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- One project - is to revive the coral bed.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- The Maldives islands...
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- ..lie on a bed of coral - and reefs defend the islands...
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- ..from the Indian Ocean's - treacherous waves.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- But the coral is dying - not only in - the Maldives but across the world.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- As the planet heats up, - so does the sea...
0:04:34 > 0:04:35- ..making it acidic.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- Coral is a living creature. - It's home to algae which feeds fish.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Coral is sensitive to temperature - change and the condition of the sea.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- It it's too warm for too long, the - algae that provides energy leaves.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- The coral starves and whitens.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- In addition to this, El Nino occurs, - causing occasional warm spells.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- In the past, - coral has been able to rejuvenate...
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- ..but it's been impossible over - recent years due to climate change.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- One young person trying - to save the coral is Kurushi...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- ..a librarian at the local school.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- I asked her - why coral was so important.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- I used to enjoy snorkelling here - and seeing the colourful fish...
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- ..swimming in and out of the coral.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- Snorkelling and diving attracts - tourists and provides employment.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- Kudafari - doesn't attract tourists now...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..because the pretty fish have gone.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- But coral is vital - for the inhabitants' food source.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Fish is our only source of protein.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- I remember seeing the fishermen - return with full baskets.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- There are no small fish here now.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- They were used as bait to catch tuna - but bait fishing has since ceased.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- It's the coral reef - which protects us.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- The sea is now a threat.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- The waves are eroding my island.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- I don't want to move to the capital, - Male. This is my home.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- Hopefully the government - will help to fund our projects.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- I'm happy - that we can do something...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- ..to change the future.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- The sea has supported the islands.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Now the sea threatens them.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- However, the efforts of the young...
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- ..to do what they can - to protect the coral buys them time.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- Father-of-two Shameem - leads this particular project.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- He teaches the young people - how to rebuild and revive the reef.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- The hope is that the new coral - will be more resilient...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- ..and be able to survive - the warming of the sea.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- I asked Shameem - to describe the project.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Our project targets - the coral reef's biodiversity.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- We see it dying - and it's vital that we revive it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Young people remove the coral - that's at risk of dying...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- ..and bring it closer to shore.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- The team carefully attaches - many of them to a simple basket...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..and takes the baskets - back to the reef.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- We monitor the baskets - to see if it's a success.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Sometimes - we see a difference in a week...
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- ..but it'll take over a year - and a half to make a big difference.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- We've been doing this - for three months now.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- It's so important for us - because bait fishing is dwindling.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- If we can show people - it boosts the island's economy...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- ..we'll recruit more volunteers.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- The whole Maldives - is dependent on our environment.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- Tourists come to see - the coral reefs and the beaches.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- The fisheries - also go with these reefs...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..so if biodiversity is affected, - it affects our economy as well.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- As the sea level rises - and storms become more frequent...
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- ..not only does the coral die but - the sand lying on the coral erodes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- This island, - like the rest of them...
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- ..vanishes into the sea, leaving - natives with no hope of escaping.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- One way of slowing the erosion - is by planting trees.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- The United Nations - is once again assisting.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- This is one of Adam Abdulla's - favourite projects.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- He's an expert - on the Maldives' native trees.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- He instructs young people - which trees to plant.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- This is Ironwood - which grows well in sand.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- It tolerates salt - and withstands strong winds.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Many are already growing - on the edges of the island...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- ..but more are required - to prevent erosion.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- These are pandanus, which have - a complex system of roots...
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- ..that are above the water - and are good for preventing erosion.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- These are almond seeds which will be - ready to plant in three weeks' time.
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- What you're seeing here - is the nursery...
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- ..of the bioshield project - being implemented by the community.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- It's a wonderful project - when you think about it...
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- ..because what they're trying to do - is use nature and natural systems...
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- ..to fight the problems they've got.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- This project costs no money at all.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- They recycle tins - to avoid using plastic...
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- ..and the plants - look after themselves.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- They build a type of natural wall - to protect the island.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- These trees will pad out...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- ..and behave much better - than a stone wall.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- The truth is, the coast's erosion - threatens livelihoods...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- ..and later people's lives.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- This is tough. It's so tough, - I've broken the spade.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Look, I've bent the spade!
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- I hope you have some more.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- The community works very hard. - Their effort is plain to see.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Planting these trees isn't easy.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- This plant is spiky.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- It's spiky.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- OK? Shall we use the spade?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- This plant is a pandanus.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Pandanus is good - for protecting the coastline.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- I admire the community's effort. - Community spirit is strong here.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Initially I thought - they were being very bold...
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- ..but they have no choice.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- They must survive and adapt - and that's what they're doing.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- They're planting trees - to protect their island.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- In Part 2 we see why the inhabitants - of the small islands...
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- ..live in so much fear as - the climate challenge becomes clear.
0:12:15 > 0:12:15- .
0:12:20 > 0:12:20- Subtitles
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I'm heading - to the island of Holhudhoo...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- ..where erosion and floods - are new and serious problems...
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- ..for an island that's only - a quarter of a mile square...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- ..and inhabited by more than 2,000.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- The islands are gradually - disappearing into the sea.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Natives must follow Islam - to live in the Maldives.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- They pray five times a day.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Due to climate change, - there is more unexpected rainfall.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- As it measures - only a quarter of a mile square...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- ..flooding is a grave concern.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- Imagine standing in floods - in your street...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- ..knowing that you're standing - in the Indian Ocean...
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- ..with no high ground to escape to.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Adam and Shameem - took me to Asraar's home.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- They asked her to describe what - happened during the recent floods.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- The last time the floods happened...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..members of the town council - helped me lift things onto a table.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- I went to stay with a neighbour - who has a higher floor.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- We contacted - the Maldives National Defence Force.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- They respond to calls like this - but they couldn't get here...
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- ..because the sea was too rough.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- I was keen to see - how high the water had reached.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- To there? Wow.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- The next question was crucial. - How long has this been happening?
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- I've lived in this house - for 60 years.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Floods like this - have only happened in recent years.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- It didn't happen before.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- It's happened to me - three times a year.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- I asked - if the higher step had helped.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- The higher step at the front door - hasn't helped much...
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- ..because water comes in - from every direction.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- But my neighbours wait for me now.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- Every time it rains, - they keep their doors open...
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- ..and I can choose where I go - for company during the night.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Almost every home here - is affected...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- ..with salt water - seeping into every corner.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- I'm meeting a mother and daughter...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- ..whose home - has been flooded and adapted.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Every time it rains, seawater - comes up through the floor.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- We built a step to stop the water - from the street flooding in.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- There's a layer of cement over the - coral walls to hold back the water.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- We've since had a pump - and we rely on that now.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Water gets into the house - six times a year now.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Every time it rains, - we're afraid to sleep.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Holhudhoo youngsters - helped one woman and her family...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- ..who lived in constant fear...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- ..since the waves were literally - crashing against the wall.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Adam asked Fathimath - what happened to her house.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- Every year, the sea was getting - closer and closer to my home.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- In the end, - waves crashed against the wall...
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- ..and water came through the floor.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- My grandchildren were scared - as each year it got worse...
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- ..until the government - built a defence wall...
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- ..between the house and sea.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- It's improved things - but only for the time being.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- The young people - persevere with projects...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..to help people like Fathimath - and protect the island...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- ..with the Better Environment - for Youth Society volunteers.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- Its president is Appi, and I asked - him about the people's problems.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- Every family on the island faces - problems with a high water table...
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- ..floods and menacing waves.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- After all, - there's no escape for the people.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- They are scared - to stay in the house...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..because they don't know - when it's going to be...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..and what's going to happen.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- We are afraid, you know.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Actually, I'm not sure...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..we are going to live here - any more.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- So we need help...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..from the civilized countries.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- We want to raise our voice...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- ..to get help from them.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Adam Abdulla - works for the United Nations...
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- ..and helps communities - to launch the projects.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Some of the money comes from - the Tourism Adaptation Project...
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- ..which provides grants to help - communities with climate challenges.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- I commended the enthusiasm of the - young and asked Adam how he felt.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Being the lowest line - and flattest country in the world...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..climate change - is a big threat here.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- There's a real threat of the - whole Maldives being inundated...
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- ..by the rising sea levels...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..so I'm very worried - for my home country...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- ..and the people here.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- At the same time, - seeing people being innovative...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- ..with the sort of projects - they're coming up with...
0:18:46 > 0:18:52- ..there's still hope - to save us from disappearing.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- Do you think Kudafari will be here - in 50 years' time?
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- It's a very bleak picture...
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..but seeing the community being - so enthusiastic and not giving up...
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- ..I would like to think so.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- And with the global leaders...
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- ..making deals - to cut out carbon emissions...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..and if those things - come out in a timely manner, maybe.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- But it needs to be implemented fast.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Young people realize that politics - play a part in saving the islands.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- They begin at a young age.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- Jaxlan Adam is vice president - of the island council aged 20.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- He's the youngest person - in such a role in the Maldives.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- I'm very proud of the projects - we've set up on the island...
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- ..to improve the environment.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- Controlling rubbish, - cleaning the harbour...
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- ..composting and - more complex tasks to stop erosion.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- It's vital that our voice - is heard by the government...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- ..instead of it being - about Male's problems all the time.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- We have to strive to be heard.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- One way of being heard is by showing - how projects boost the economy.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- This is the sentiment behind the - project to preserve the mangroves...
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- ..which are trees - that protect the islands.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- I went to Maalhendoo to meet Wasiph, - who leads the project there.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I asked him what was so special - about the mangrove.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Mangrove is so important, it has - four different names in Dhivehi...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..which is our mother tongue.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Losing the mangrove forest - would be a tragedy.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- They're special because - the roots are above the water.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- They're a defensive wall to prevent - the waves rolling in during storms.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- Mangroves also absorb more carbon - dioxide than any other tree...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..which helps lower - the level of greenhouse gases.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- The way to persuade people - to look after mangrove trees...
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- ..is to show them - they can earn a wage from it too.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- Mud crabs like to live in mangroves - and we've started breeding them...
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- ..in the middle of the lake.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- They're tasty and the natives...
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- ..can sell the crabs to tourists - on other islands for a lot of money.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- People see that - it's worth preserving the trees...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- ..in order to sell the crabs.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28- So, what is your job?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- So, what is your job?- - Commentator. Football commentator.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33- Do you know Swansea City?
0:21:33 > 0:21:34- Do you know Swansea City?- - Yes.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- You know Swansea City? Wow!
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- This is all voluntary, so you're - a football commentator in the day...
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- It's volunteer work.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- It's volunteer work.- - Everybody is a volunteer.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- It's very, very impressive.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- The commitment of these people - is astounding...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- ..but the reality is that - the youngest children here today...
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- ..will see the sea level...
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- ..rise nearly 1.5 metres - during their lifetime.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Higher than the level - of their islands.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- As pensioners, - they'll be climate refugees.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- The Maldives - has been an eye opener for me.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- This is a country which contributes - very little to global warming...
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- ..but is already seeing - the effects of climate change.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- What's encouraging is - the attitude of the young people...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- ..and their struggle - and enthusiasm...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..to improve - and protect their islands.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- I only hope the politicians - will support them.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- They appreciate the fact - I've come all this way...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- ..to witness their efforts.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I'm treated to a musical farewell.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- As it's a traditional custom, - it'd be very impolite...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- ..not to join in the dancing.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Next week I'll be back in Wales...
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- ..seeing the effects - of climate change on our country...
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- ..and finding bold ways of creating - environmentally-friendly energy.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- I'll also follow the Maldivians' - lead by planting dozens of trees.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:53 > 0:23:53- .