The Climate Reality Project -- Tonga

What can change in a day? Everything. On September 14, the world will focus its attention on the truth about the climate crisis. For 24 hours, we will all live in reality. Pick a faraway place or a city near you. Make it yours for one day. We’re hitting every time zone — but only once. 7 p.m. in your time zone. Choose a location and get involved.

Tonga --

Just east of the international dateline, Tonga has been called “the place where time begins.”

East of Australia in the South Pacific, the Kingdom of Tonga comprises 176 islands scattered across 270,000 square miles. Known for its beautiful beaches, the tropical waters off Tonga are also known as a part-year home for endangered humpback whales that migrate to these warm waters annually from Antarctica.

Nuku’alofa is the capital and largest city in Tonga. It is situated on the island of Tongatapu, much of which is only 4 meters (13 feet) above sea level. Rising sea levels caused by global warming present a severe threat to Tonga. Entire communities may be forced to leave their homes in response to coastal erosion, flooding and freshwater contamination. More severe extreme weather, particularly in the form of tropical storms, also presents great challenges for this island nation.

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