Rising sea levels were beginning to swallow Teaote's home on Kiribati — so she built a seawall - ABC Pacific

Kiribati is facing a real challenge.

With no part of its land rising more than 2 meters above the ocean, the country is among the most vulnerable to the encroaching tides.

Small islands have already succumbed to inundation, while others suffer erosion, jeopardising crop cultivation and freshwater reserves.

The I-Kiribati people, who may not use the words "climate change", have now experienced its harsh reality and continue to face the constant threat of rising sea levels.