The Carteret Islands face what significant environmental threat?

The Carteret Islands are specifically threatened by rising sea levels, which is primarily a result of climate change and global warming. As polar ice caps continue to melt and the overall temperature of the planet increases, the volume of water in the oceans expands, leading to higher sea levels. For low-lying island nations like the Carteret Islands, even a slight increase in sea level can result in significant land loss, threatening local communities, displacing populations, and posing critical challenges to freshwater supplies and agricultural viability.

Additionally, rising sea levels can enhance the frequency and severity of coastal erosion, making the islands even more vulnerable to external environmental factors. This scenario underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and its impacts, particularly for small island developing states that may face existential threats due to environmental changes.