Drones Join the Fight Against Climate Change Risks in the Maldives – Help from the Skies

An innovative use of modern technology, drones have been used in Maldives to aid in the fight against the effects of climate change. Initiated by Sanny Jegillos who is a Senior Advisor in Disaster Risk Reduction for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this new project looks to use drones to generate special maps in three-dimensional form. This is particularly helpful in a country like the Maldives where climate change can have rather severe consequences; since 80% of the country’s islands are only one metre above the existing sea level, any rise in water due to climate change thus can be catastrophic. This has a huge impact on the country not only for its inhabitants but also its tourist industry. Maldives luxury hotel and island resort options such as Naladhu Maldives help sustain the local economy and early warning systems and being able to prepare for any disasters are of paramount importance. With the assistance of the drone, it is possible to put together a three-dimensional rendering of islands and what are known as risk maps. This will help to highlight areas that are more vulnerable to rising sea levels and aid to come up with plans which provide protection for people in such high-risk areas.