Development and infrastructure of the Federated States of Micronesia

Abstract

The rise in sea levels associated with global warming is a very serious issue in the 607 islands that constitute the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The islands range in altitude and size from sea level to 791 m, and approximately 702 km, respectively. The total length of the coastline is 6,112 km and the population numbers approximately 111,000 people. Infrastructure in the FSM is varied. Electricity is primarily generated by diesel generators, but there are two small hydroelectric facilities and solar power is becoming increasing popular on the outer islands. Though rainfall is plentiful in the four states that make up the FSM, water supply by public water works is not consistent. Residents therefore supplement their water requirements by using individual rainfall watershed. Steady improvements in the reliability of the public water supply are continually being made. The urban centers of the four states of the FSM have public water and sewer systems. Water seal and dry composting toilets are being more widely deployed, particularly in remote villages and the outlying islands. Each of the four urban centers also has an international airport that is capable of accommodating mid-sized jets, and each airport has new air terminals designed to meet the increasing needs of air traffic. All state centers in the FSM have deep draft harbors capable of handling almost all commercial shipping needs. Each of the ports also provides containerized cargo handling, some warehousing, and transhipment facilities. Service to anywhere in the world is provided through a variety of lines which generally operate on a monthly schedule. This paper Island Sustainability II 169 www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541 (on-line) WIT Transactions on Ecology and The Environment, Vol 166, © 201 WIT Press 2 doi:10.2495/ 12 ISLANDS 0141 discusses how the FSM can protect its infrastructure from disasters such as tsunamis or flood tides, as well as thrive as a tourist and industrial hub.