“Unveiling the Unseen: Climate Change Impact in ‘Places without Postcards’ | Feature from King’s College London”

King’s College London’s Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy has launched a unique collection titled ‘Places without postcards’ to shed light on the impact of climate change across the globe. This collection features key locations that are often overlooked but play a crucial role in highlighting the effects of climate change on our planet.

One such location is Ducie Island, a tiny Pacific atoll that stands at a mere 4.6 meters at its highest point. As sea levels rise, this remote island faces the threat of disappearing beneath the waves, potentially leading to the extinction of half a million Murphy’s petrels that breed there annually.

In Tenkodogo, Burkina Faso, soaring temperatures during the dry season have resulted in water shortages, impacting the livelihoods of local communities dependent on small reservoirs for fishing, herding, and agriculture. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, posing a risk of poverty and conflict in the region.

Seelampur, India, is home to a community of 50,000 people engaged in hazardous e-waste recycling, exposing themselves to toxic chemicals while contributing to carbon emissions associated with electronic devices. This highlights the environmental and health risks tied to the disposal of electronic waste.

Ouad Naga, Mauritania, faces the threat of being buried under shifting sand dunes due to predicted changes in wind patterns caused by global warming. This scenario could lead to the displacement of communities in the region, creating climate change refugees.

In Cambodia, rising temperatures and extreme weather events are impacting rice farming along the Mekong delta, leading to increased vulnerability and financial strain on farmers. The use of microfinancing to adapt to climate change has also resulted in unintended consequences, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions.

On Everest, the world’s highest weather monitoring station on Bishop Rock provides crucial data on the impact of climate change on glaciers in the Himalayas. The melting of snow and ice on Everest poses a risk to freshwater resources for millions of people, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.

Nauru, a small island nation, faces the dilemma of mining valuable minerals from the ocean floor to boost its economy while risking ecological harm to marine ecosystems. This raises ethical questions about the trade-offs between economic development and environmental conservation.

Jacobabad, Pakistan, experiences extreme heat conditions that could render the region uninhabitable due to climate change. The rising temperatures pose a threat to human health and safety, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation measures in vulnerable areas.

Expo City Dubai, set to host COP28, showcases a sustainable urban development model with Expo Valley, a car-free residential area designed for climate resilience. However, questions arise about the accessibility of such developments and the implications for marginalized communities.

The ‘Places without postcards’ collection serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse and far-reaching impacts of climate change on communities worldwide. By highlighting these lesser-known locations, King’s College London aims to raise awareness and prompt action on climate change ahead of COP28. Members of the King’s community can view the exhibition in person at The Exchange in Bush House NE, Strand campus, from November 16 to December 12.