Why Tonga Is The Most At Risk Country?
Tonga is considered one of the most at-risk countries due to its vulnerability to various natural disasters and climate change impacts. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability:
Geographic Location: Tonga is located in the Pacific Ocean, within the cyclone belt, making it prone to tropical cyclones, which can cause significant damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy.
Small Land Area: Tonga’s land area is relatively small, and much of its population and infrastructure are concentrated in low-lying coastal areas, increasing their exposure to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
Rising Sea Levels: Tonga faces the threat of rising sea levels, which can lead to saltwater intrusion, damage coastal ecosystems, and threaten freshwater supplies.
Limited Resources: Tonga has limited resources and capacity to respond to and recover from natural disasters, which makes it more vulnerable when disasters strike.
Economic Dependence: The country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and fishing, both of which can be negatively impacted by climate change and extreme weather events.
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: Tonga’s healthcare infrastructure may be insufficient to cope with the health impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
While Tonga is among the most at-risk countries, international efforts are aimed at helping vulnerable nations like Tonga adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters.