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Maldives Underwater by 2050: List of Islands Sinking Due to Sea Level Rise

Everyone dreams of visiting an island like the Maldives with their loved ones but soon it will disappear by submerging due to climate change. Know the list of islands that may submerge soon because of rising sea levels and climate change.

Updated on: 31 August, 2023 5:22 PM IST By: Vivek Singh
Woman enjoying in Maldives (Photo Courtesy: Freepik)

Maldives is home to 1,192 coral islands. The islands sheltered in this archipelago are categorized into natural atolls, most of which remain uninhabited. Floating on serene ocean waters, this island nation makes for the perfect getaway for leisure seekers away from the chaos and anxiety of city life. Maldives is a country that houses numerous wonders and islands such as Male, Filhalhohi, Alimatha, Biyadhoo, Niyama, Vaadhoo, Kuredu, and many more. But have you wondered what will happen to these islands if it continues to unseasonal cyclonic storms, sea erosion, and new development projects? It is expected that many of the islands will submerge just like Lohachara Island and Five Reef Islands.

Maldives Underwater in 30 years

Predicting an exact year for when the Maldives or any specific location will be completely underwater is extremely challenging due to the complex nature of sea-level rise, climate change, and other factors. The Maldives is a low-lying island nation that is vulnerable to rising sea levels, and various scientific estimates suggest that the islands could be significantly impacted in the coming decades. However, the exact timing and extent of this impact are still uncertain and depend on a range of variables, including greenhouse gas emissions, ice melt rates, and local geological factors.

It's important to note that while some areas of the Maldives might experience increased flooding and erosion due to rising sea levels, the complete submergence of the entire nation is not a certain outcome. Governments, international organizations, and scientists are actively working to mitigate the effects of climate change and sea-level rise through measures such as emissions reduction, coastal protection, and sustainable development practices.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the situation in the Maldives, it's recommended to consult reliable sources such as scientific reports from organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and statements from the Maldivian government. Also, according to senior scientists across the world, sea levels could rise by as much as 0.5 meters by 2050. This can be very dangerous for the Maldives. 

List Of Islands That Will Submerge Soon Including Maldives

As we said above predicting the exact timeline for island submergence due to rising sea levels is a complex task and can vary based on various factors including local geography, climate change policies, and technological interventions. However, a list of some islands and island nations that are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise are listed below:

  1. Tuvalu

  2. Kiribati

  3. Marshall Islands

  4. Solomon Islands

  5. Nauru

  6. Tokelau

  7. Vanuatu

  8. Seychelles

  9. Fiji (some low-lying areas)

  10. Micronesia (some atolls)

  11. Palau (some low-lying areas)

  12. Bangladesh (vulnerable coastal areas)

  13. Indonesia (some coastal regions)

  14. Sri Lanka (some coastal areas)

  15. Shishmaref, Alaska

  16. Torres Strait Islands, Australia

  17. Tangier Island, Virginia

  18. Cape Verde

  19. French Polynesia

  20. Grenada

These islands and coastal regions are particularly susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels due to their low elevations and geographical features. It's important to note that various efforts, such as coastal protection measures and international agreements to combat climate change, can influence the extent of submergence in these areas.

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