Islands

Definition

Islands are landforms that are completely surrounded by water and can vary significantly in size, from small islets to large landmasses like Greenland. They play a crucial role in geopolitical and economic contexts, particularly in defining territorial boundaries and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which grant coastal nations rights to exploit marine resources within a specified area surrounding their shores.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Islands can be classified into different types such as continental islands, oceanic islands, and coral islands, each having distinct geological origins and characteristics.
2. The presence of islands often influences maritime boundaries and claims, making them strategic locations for countries, especially regarding fishing rights and natural resources.
3. Islands are significant for biodiversity, serving as habitats for unique species and ecosystems that can be vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity.
4. Some islands are subject to territorial disputes between nations, complicating the establishment of EEZs and resource management.
5. Islands can serve as crucial points for trade routes, military strategy, and tourism, impacting local economies and international relations.

Review Questions

• How do islands influence the establishment of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) for coastal nations?
  • Islands are essential in defining the boundaries of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) because they extend the maritime territory of the coastal nation. When an island is recognized under international law, it can potentially add 200 nautical miles of EEZ around it. This means that nations with islands can significantly increase their access to marine resources, impacting fishing rights and exploration for oil and gas reserves in their respective maritime zones.
• Discuss the geopolitical significance of islands in relation to sovereignty and territorial disputes among nations.
  • Islands often carry substantial geopolitical importance as they can become focal points for national sovereignty claims. The ownership of an island can lead to disputes between countries, especially when multiple states assert rights over the same landform. These disputes can escalate into broader conflicts, as control over islands directly affects access to valuable resources within the surrounding EEZs. As a result, islands can influence diplomatic relations and military strategy in contested regions.
• Evaluate the impact of climate change on island ecosystems and the geopolitical implications it may have for affected nations.
  • Climate change poses significant threats to island ecosystems through rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and changing weather patterns. These environmental challenges can lead to habitat loss for unique species and threaten human settlements on islands. Geopolitically, nations with low-lying islands may face existential risks, potentially leading to migration issues and altering regional power dynamics. As islands become uninhabitable or lose territory, countries may need to negotiate new agreements regarding EEZs and resources while addressing humanitarian needs related to displaced populations.

Related terms

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline, within which that state has special rights to exploit marine resources.

Sovereignty:

The authority of a state to govern itself and control its territory, including the waters surrounding islands.

Atoll: A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets that encircle a lagoon, often found in tropical ocean waters.