PELAKITA.ID – Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming for several reasons:
Rising Sea Levels: As a vast archipelago with over 17,000 islands, Indonesia faces significant threats from rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Coastal areas, including major cities like Jakarta, are at risk of flooding, and many low-lying islands may disappear altogether. Indonesia’s population is concentrated along coastlines, amplifying the danger.
Deforestation: Indonesia has one of the highest rates of deforestation, especially due to palm oil plantations, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion.
Deforestation leads to increased carbon emissions and reduced capacity to absorb CO2, exacerbating global warming. Additionally, forest fires, particularly in areas like Kalimantan and Sumatra, release large amounts of carbon dioxide.
Extreme Weather Events: Indonesia experiences more extreme weather due to climate change, including more intense rainfall leading to floods, landslides, and storm surges.
On the other hand, some areas also face droughts and heatwaves, affecting agriculture and water availability.
Ocean Temperature Changes: The warming of ocean temperatures affects Indonesia’s extensive coral reefs and marine biodiversity, which are vital for both the local ecosystem and economy.
The coral bleaching phenomenon caused by warmer waters is a major threat to the rich marine life and the fishing industry.
Agriculture and Food Security: Climate change threatens Indonesia’s agriculture sector, with changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and shifting temperatures making crop production more unpredictable. This affects food security for the population, especially in rural areas that rely on farming.
Vulnerable Ecosystems: Indonesia is home to rich biodiversity, including tropical rainforests and unique species like orangutans and tigers. These ecosystems are sensitive to temperature changes and habitat destruction, putting these species at risk of extinction.
Geographical Location: Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of communities in these areas, especially with rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Indonesia’s commitment to mitigating these challenges includes efforts to reduce deforestation, adopt renewable energy sources, and engage in international agreements on climate change.
However, the scale of the issue requires a combination of global efforts and national initiatives to tackle it effectively.
