The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) totals 705 square miles and is composed of two coral atoll chains in the Central Pacific. The physical characteristics of the RMI would give you the best indicator as to why the RMI Government is so concerned with sea level rise. Approximately 1225 islets in 29 atolls, the average height above sea level is 7 feet or 2 meters. The highest land area is on Likiep Atoll, where the elevation reaches a maximum altitude of only six meters. Fragile coral reefs fringe the atolls, and serve as the only line of defense against the ocean surge. The clearance over the reef in the sections that are covered by water is usually no more than a couple of feet. In other places the reef is commonly only barely submerged.

The main islands of the Marshalls are: Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokaak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabwot, Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Knox, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongerik, Taka, Ujae, Ujelang, Utrik, Wotho and Wotje. Majuro atoll, capital of the Marshall Islands, is the most developed atoll with a thriving commercial and political centre and a population of nearly 30,000.

Trisha Macomber's trip to Majuro

Trisha Macomber, Educational Specialist from the University of Hawaii in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, traveled to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia to provide rainwater catchment safety seminars in February 22 - March 9, 2006. Click on the link above to view photos of her trip to Majuro.