Most of the coral reefs surrounding the islands are dead or dying. As an island nation, the Solomon Islands are concerned with the effects of global warming and rising sea levels. Deforestation is another significant environmental problem. United Nations sources estimate that the nation's forests will be exhausted in 10– 15 years. The related problem of soil erosion threatens the country's agricultural productivity.
The nation has about 10.7 cu mi of water, of which 40% is used for farming and 20% for industrial activity. Only 65% of the nation's rural population have access to pure drinking water. Sources of pollution include sewage, pesticides, and mining byproducts.
Twenty mammal species and 18 bird species are endangered, as are 21 types of plants. Endangered species include the gizo white-eye and the hawksbill, green sea, and leatherback turtles. The Solomon Islands' crowned pigeon and the Nendo tube-nosed fruit bat have become extinct.