As the global climate continues to change, low-lying island nations face an existential threat. Rising sea levels, driven by both warming oceans and melting ice caps, put these communities at risk of inundation and, in some cases, complete disappearance. Atolls, ring-shaped coral reef islands found in the tropics, are among the most vulnerable landscapes to this threat. Yet, while the challenges are real, atolls possess a surprising capacity for natural adaptation that could buy time for these threatened ecosystems. In their natural state, most coral atoll islands could adapt to sea level rise.
One such atoll, LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, in a groundbreaking move, has installed the world’s largest floating solar system. This innovative technology, known as SolarSea, captures solar energy directly on the ocean’s surface, providing a sustainable power source for the island.
Atolls form when coral reefs construct rings around submerged volcanic islands. As the volcano slowly sinks, coral growth keeps pace, creating a shallow lagoon within the reef’s protective circle. This unique structure, shaped by centuries of geological and biological processes, supports an astonishing array of marine life. From colorful fish and invertebrates to sharks and rays, atolls are biodiversity hotspots in the vast ocean. Atolls in their pristine state team with life, providing habitat for a myriad of creatures including turtles, land crabs and many thousands of seabirds.
The primary concern with rising seas is that atolls will simply disappear beneath the sea, their low-lying islands and shallow reefs unable to keep pace with increasing water levels. There’s truth in this; many atolls are indeed at risk, and some have already experienced permanent inundation during high tides and storms.
New studies show the atolls are not static entities – they have the capacity for vertical growth that could offset moderate rates of sea-level rise. Healthy coral reefs can grow at rates of 1-10 mm/year, potentially matching or exceeding projected sea-level rise of 3-10 mm/year. This vertical growth is crucial, it allows the reef to maintain its position in the water column, continuing to support the rich biodiversity atolls are known for.
Atolls can laterally expand through a process known as reef progradation. As coral grows and breaks off, it accumulates on the reef front, pushing the shoreline outward. This natural process can increase the physical size of the atoll, potentially offsetting some of the losses due to erosion and inundation. These natural adaptations offer hope, althoug it’s understood the limitations. Atolls can only adjust so quickly; rapid sea-level rise may outpace the ability of coral to grow and reefs to expand. Additionally, coral reefs face numerous human-induced stresses like pollution, overfishing, and warming oceans that lead to coral bleaching. These threats, known as anthropogenic stressors, significantly impair an atoll’s ability to adapt naturally to rising seas. Climate change is stressing corals, but there’s hope .
Atolls, though threatened, are not merely passive victims of climate change. They possess a remarkable capacity for natural adaptation, shaped by millennia of geological and biological forces. By understanding and supporting these adaptations, we can buy time for these unique ecosystems and the communities that call them home. In an age of rising seas, the story of atolls is one of both challenge and resilience, a testament to the awe-inspiring ability of nature to adapt and endure.
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort is mirroring that natural adaptation in its commitment to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions and reducing its ecological footprint with a floating solar system is specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine conditions of waves, storms, and saltwater, making it the perfect solution for small tropical islands with limited land for traditional solar panels.
Jonas Amstad, General Manager at LUX* South Ari Atoll stated. “As a leader in eco-tourism and marine conservation, we’re dedicated to setting a high standard for environmental responsibility in our region.”
2019 marked their switch to floating solar which has resulted in significant cost savings and a reduction of over 260,000 liters of diesel per year. Guests can even track the energy produced, diesel saved, and CO2 emissions offset in real-time on their in-villa IPTV system.
The benefits of floating solar systems extend beyond energy savings. The platforms provide shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates, acting as artificial reefs. They float above the sandy seabed to avoid damaging coral reefs, and coral larvae can even use the platforms to grow into adult colonies.
The resilience of atolls lies in their dynamic nature – they are not static landforms, but living, evolving ecosystems. These ecosystems require our support to maximize their chances. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the rate of warming and sea-level rise is paramount.
Equally important are local conservation efforts to minimize pollution, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable use of these delicate ecosystems. By restoring atoll ecosystems, we see renewed abundance of seabirds, land crabs and turtles, species that join deep ocean, reef and islets in a thriving web of life. LUX* South Ari Atoll’s commitment to eco-tourism and sustainability is to make each moment matter. With its cutting-edge floating solar system and dedication to environmental responsibility, LUX South Ari Atoll is setting a new standard for resorts around the world. As the demand for renewable energy solutions continues to grow, their floating solar system is poised to play a major role in reducing their carbon emissions.