Maldives Facts
What ocean are the Maldives located in?
The Indian Ocean
What is causing sea levels to rise?
Global warming / melting polar ice
What structure did the government build around Male?
A seawall
What is Hulhumale?
A man-made/artificial island
What does “attuned” mean?
Aware of
What threatens to wash away the Maldives?
Rising sea levels/Ocean Waters
What happens to polar ice because of climate change?
It melts
Which country helped pay for the seawall?
Japan
How was Hulhumale created?
Sand was dredged from the ocean floor
What does “subsiding” mean?
Going down to a lower level
What are the Maldives made up of?
Why are scientists worried about the Maldives?
The islands could disappear underwater
Why was the seawall built?
To protect the city from floods and sea water
Why do many people like living in Hulhumale?
It is cleaner, less crowded, and less expensive
What does “submerged” mean?
Covered by Water
What natural event flooded the Maldives in 2004?
A tsunami
What agreement did the Maldives sign to fight climate change?
The Kyoto Protocol
What was President Gayoom trying to protect people from?
Rising sea levels / flooding
Why was Hulhumale built higher than other islands?
To resist flooding and sea-level rise
What does “priority” mean?
Something important
What is the capital city of the Maldives?
Male
Why does President Gayoom believe developed countries should help pay?
Because developed nations help cause climate change
What are tetrapods used for?
Preventing erosion and keeping water out
How many people did the government hope would move to Hulhumale?
About 50,000 people
What does “congestion” mean?
Overcrowding