"A Remote Pacific Nation, Threatened by Rising Seas"

"Climate change is threatening the livelihoods of the people of tiny Kiribati, and even the island nation’s existence. The government is making plans for the island’s demise."

"TARAWA, Kiribati — One clear bright day last winter, a tidal surge swept over an ocean embankment here in the remote, low-lying island country of Kiribati, smashing through the doors and windows of Betio Hospital and spewing sand and debris across its maternity ward.

Beero Hosea, 37, a handyman, cut the power and helped carry frightened mothers through the rubble and water to a nearby school.

'If the next one is combined with a storm and stronger winds, that’s the end of us,'he said. 'It’s going to cover this whole island.'"

Mike Ives reports for the New York Times July 2, 2016 with photographs and video By Josh Haner.