As climate change accelerates, it threatens not only ecosystems but also the very existence of entire nations. Rising sea levels, severe storms, and changing climates jeopardize some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Traveling to these destinations offers a chance to witness their beauty and advocate for their preservation. These fragile nations are a poignant reminder of our planet’s vulnerability and the collective responsibility we bear for its future. *Global Flood Map Courtesy of VividMaps, all other images created by Open AI.
What are the Most Worrisome Contributors to Sea Level Rise?
The Doomsday Glacier, officially known as the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, is one of the most concerning ice masses in the world due to its potential contribution to global sea level rise. This glacier alone holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by approximately 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) if it completely melts. Unlike sea ice, which is already floating in the ocean, Thwaites and other land-based glaciers rest on bedrock, meaning their meltwater directly adds to the volume of the sea. Its retreat is particularly alarming because it acts as a "cork" stabilizing other parts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Once Thwaites gives way, the melt from surrounding glaciers could further accelerate, compounding the risk of catastrophic sea level rise.
Greenland’s glaciers are another major contributor to rising sea levels, holding enough ice to cause about 7.4 meters (24 feet) of sea level rise if the entire ice sheet were to melt. Like the Thwaites Glacier, Greenland's ice is land-based, meaning that its melt directly impacts sea levels. The rapid melting of Greenland's ice is primarily driven by warming Arctic temperatures and ocean currents that undercut the glaciers from below. Unlike Antarctica, which is more isolated, Greenland's ice sheet is more susceptible to immediate melting because of its proximity to warmer air masses and ocean waters.
A key distinction between landlocked glaciers and sea ice lies in their contribution to sea levels. Sea ice, such as the Arctic’s floating ice or icebergs calved from glaciers, is already displacing water. Its melting does not raise sea levels because it has already contributed its weight to the ocean. However, melting of land-based ice, like that in Greenland and Antarctica, increases sea levels directly.
Beyond sea rise, the influx of freshwater from melting ice into the Atlantic Ocean could disrupt critical ocean currents such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This system helps regulate global climate by transporting warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic and returning cooler water south. A disruption of the AMOC due to desalination could result in drastic climate changes, including colder winters in Europe, rising temperatures in the tropics, and disruptions to rainfall patterns critical for agriculture. Anyone who has seen the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" has been introduced to this concept. This domino effect highlights the interconnectedness of glacier melt, sea levels, and global climate systems.
Cities at Risk
If the Thwaites Glacier (Doomsday Glacier) or the Greenland Ice Sheet were to collapse, resulting in significant sea level rise, many coastal cities around the world would be at severe risk. Here are the top 20 cities globally most at risk due to their low elevation, large populations, and economic importance:
Asia
Jakarta, Indonesia
Already sinking due to groundwater extraction, Jakarta faces extreme risk from even modest sea level rises.
Mumbai, India
With millions living near the coast, a rise in sea levels could flood major infrastructure and slums.
Shanghai, China
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai's dense population and economic hubs are at high risk.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
One of the world’s most vulnerable cities due to low elevation and high population density.
Bangkok, Thailand
Built on former wetlands, Bangkok is highly prone to flooding with rising seas.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Large portions of this city in the Mekong Delta could become submerged.
Manila, Philippines
Facing typhoons and rising seas, Manila's vulnerability is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure.
North America
Miami, USA
One of the most at-risk U.S. cities due to its low elevation and porous limestone bedrock.
New York City, USA
The city’s dense population, critical infrastructure, and coastal location put it at severe risk.
New Orleans, USA
Already below sea level, further sea rise would devastate New Orleans.
Houston, USA
Close to sea level and prone to flooding, Houston’s vast urban sprawl could face dire consequences.
Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Protected by a sophisticated system of dikes, even these defenses may not be sufficient for extreme sea rise.
London, UK
The Thames Barrier protects London, but significant sea rise could overwhelm existing infrastructure.
Venice, Italy
Already battling subsidence and flooding, Venice’s situation would become catastrophic.
South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Its position on the low-lying Río de la Plata estuary makes it highly vulnerable.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The city's coastal areas and iconic beaches would be severely impacted by rising seas.
Africa
Alexandria, Egypt
One of the oldest cities on the Mediterranean, Alexandria faces existential risk from flooding. Even such sites as the Great Pyramids of Giza could be underwater.
Lagos, Nigeria
With millions of people in low-lying areas, Lagos is among the most vulnerable African cities.
Oceania
Sydney, Australia
Although higher in elevation, Sydney's waterfront areas, including the famous Opera House, would face significant flooding.
Wellington, New Zealand
Coastal areas and vital infrastructure in the capital city could face increased risk of inundation.
Countries that Would be Submerged with Increased Sea Levels
It isn't just a risk to the cities but some entire nations could disappear under the waves with an rise in sea levels. These 10 countries are the ones that may be gone within the next 5 decades:
1. Maldives
Why It’s at Risk: The Maldives, a paradise of over 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is the world's lowest-lying country. The highest point in the Maldives is located on Villingili Island in the Addu Atoll, at an elevation of just 2.4 meters (~8 feet) above sea level. This makes the Maldives the flattest and lowest-lying country in the world. Its vulnerability to rising sea levels highlights the critical need for climate action to protect the nation from being completely submerged in the near future.
Must-Visit Spots:
Malé: Explore the colorful capital and its bustling markets.
Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with marine life.
Experiences: Go diving to see vibrant coral reefs that may soon disappear.
Hanifaru Bay: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for manta ray migrations.
Addu Atoll: Known for vibrant reefs and WWII wreck dives.
Wildlife at Risk:
Whale Sharks: These gentle giants visit the Maldives year-round.
Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles: Rely on the atolls for nesting.
Maldivian Clownfish: A reef-dwelling species found in the coral lagoons.
Experiences: Go diving to see vibrant coral reefs that may soon disappear.
2. Kiribati
Why It’s at Risk: Saltwater intrusion and rising sea levels are rendering Kiribati's freshwater sources unusable, forcing slow abandonment.
Must-Visit Spots:
Phoenix Islands Protected Area: One of the world’s largest marine protected areas, teeming with life.
Tarawa Atoll: Rich in WWII history and traditional Micronesian culture.
Christmas Island: A birdwatcher’s haven with stunning lagoons.
Wildlife at Risk:
Spinner Dolphins: Frequently seen in lagoons.
Coral Reef Ecosystems: Home to an array of fish and invertebrate species.
Seabirds: Including the endemic Phoenix petrel, which nests on the islands.
Experiences: Experience the vibrant local festivals, such as Te Runga, before these traditions fade away entirely.
3. Tuvalu
Why It’s at Risk: Tuvalu faces encroaching seawater and the loss of its agricultural land due to erosion.
Must-Visit Spots:
Funafuti Lagoon: A stunning expanse of turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling.
Nanumea Island: A sanctuary for rare seabirds.
Wildlife at Risk:
Black-Naped Terns: Depend on the islands for breeding.
Endemic Reef Fish: Found only in Tuvalu’s coral reefs.
Mangroves: Vital for fish nurseries and coastal protection.
Experiences: Learn about Tuvaluan storytelling traditions, which may soon become history.
4. Marshall Islands
Why It’s at Risk: Rising seas are causing severe coastal erosion, threatening both infrastructure and biodiversity.
Must-Visit Spots:
Bikini Atoll: Dive among WWII shipwrecks and eerie coral formations.
Ailinginae Atoll: A pristine uninhabited atoll with diverse marine life.
Majuro: Visit the bustling capital and its traditional outrigger canoes.
Wildlife at Risk:
Napoleon Wrasse: A critically endangered fish thriving in Marshallese waters.
Blacktip Reef Sharks: Common in shallow coastal habitats.
Micronesian Megapode: A rare bird dependent on undisturbed islands.
Experiences: Witness the incredible craftsmanship of Marshallese weaving.
5. Seychelles
Why It’s at Risk: Rising sea levels and warming seas threaten the Seychelles' beaches, coral reefs, and unique ecosystems.
Must-Visit Spots:
Aldabra Atoll: A UNESCO World Heritage Site home to thousands of giant tortoises.
Praslin Island: Features the ancient Vallée de Mai palm forest.
La Digue: Famous for its granite boulders and pink-hued beaches.
Wildlife at Risk:
Seychelles Giant Tortoise: Found only on these islands.
Coconut Crab: The world’s largest land-dwelling arthropod.
Endemic Frogs: Like the Seychelles tree frog, found nowhere else.
Experiences: Hike through rainforests and support local conservation projects.
6. Solomon Islands
Why It’s at Risk: The Solomon Islands are losing land to rising seas, threatening biodiversity hotspots.
Must-Visit Spots:
Marovo Lagoon: A vast saltwater lagoon, perfect for exploring coral reefs.
Tetepare Island: The largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific.
Guadalcanal Island: For WWII history and rugged jungle treks.
Wildlife at Risk:
Dugongs: Marine mammals that graze on seagrass beds.
Leatherback Turtles: Nest on the islands' sandy shores.
Flying Foxes: Large fruit bats critical to forest pollination.
Experiences: Spend time with local communities to learn traditional fishing techniques.
7. Bangladesh
Why It’s at Risk: With two-thirds of its land less than 5 meters above sea level, much of Bangladesh is at risk of flooding.
Must-Visit Spots:
Sundarbans Mangrove Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bengal tiger habitat.
Cox’s Bazar: The world’s longest unbroken sandy beach.
Dhaka: Experience the vibrant chaos of the capital.
Wildlife at Risk:
Bengal Tigers: Found in the Sundarbans, they are already critically endangered.
Irrawaddy Dolphins: Inhabit the brackish waterways.
Mudskippers: Amphibious fish unique to mangrove ecosystems.
Experiences: Take a boat trip on the Padma River before these waterways disappear.
8. Fiji
Why It’s at Risk: Coastal flooding and coral bleaching are devastating Fiji’s ecosystems.
Must-Visit Spots:
Mamanuca Islands: A haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Taveuni Island: Known as the “Garden Island” for its lush rainforests.
Wildlife at Risk:
Fiji Crested Iguana: Found only on a few islands.
Humphead Wrasse: A key reef species.
Coral Reefs: Essential habitats for hundreds of fish species.
Experiences: Immerse yourself in a kava ceremony with locals.
9. Vanuatu
Why It’s at Risk: Rising seas and increasingly severe cyclones are destroying Vanuatu’s ecosystems and displacing its communities.
Must-Visit Spots:
Mount Yasur: A spectacular, active volcano.
Espiritu Santo: Known for its clear waters and WWII shipwreck dives.
Wildlife at Risk:
Flying Foxes: Help pollinate the islands’ native plants.
Sea Snakes: Including the endemic Vanuatu sea krait.
Mangroves: Home to juvenile fish and crustaceans.
Experiences: Engage in Naghol (land diving), a precursor to bungee jumping.
10. The Bahamas
Why It’s at Risk: Known for its postcard-perfect beaches, The Bahamas face storm surges and sea-level rise which will accelerate coastal flooding and coral reef degradation.
Must-Visit Spots:
Exuma Cays: Famous for its swimming pigs and vibrant marine life.
Andros Barrier Reef: The world’s third-largest barrier reef.
Wildlife at Risk:
Nassau Grouper: A critical reef species.
Bahama Parrot: Found only in the pine forests of a few islands.
Elkhorn Coral: Provides essential reef structure and is already endangered.
Experiences: Support marine eco-tours focused on sustainable tourism.
Ecological Loss Beyond Borders
The disappearance of these nations would cause ripple effects across global ecosystems. Coral reefs, which serve as nurseries for marine life, and mangroves, which act as carbon sinks, would be lost. Moreover, countless species would lose their habitats, further accelerating global biodiversity decline.
How You Can Help
Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations working to protect biodiversity in these regions.
Travel Responsibly: Use eco-friendly accommodations and minimize your carbon footprint.
Advocate for Climate Action: Share stories and support policies to combat climate change.
These destinations offer unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness. By visiting responsibly, you not only experience their magic but also contribute to their preservation, leaving a lasting impact in the fight against climate change.
Summary
Visiting these vanishing places is both an opportunity and a responsibility. The irony of encouraging travel to regions at risk of disappearing due to climate change is not lost on me. It's true the very act of traveling, particularly by air, contributes to the carbon emissions fueling their demise. Yet, responsible tourism can shine a light on the urgent need for action, foster appreciation for fragile ecosystems, and provide much-needed economic support to vulnerable communities. By witnessing these places firsthand, travelers can become advocates for their preservation and inspire collective efforts to combat climate change.
To minimize your carbon footprint while exploring these destinations, prioritize sustainable travel practices. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, opt for trains or shared transportation when possible, and offset your carbon emissions through verified programs. Support local conservation initiatives and businesses that actively work to protect their environment. Travel is a privilege, and in the face of the looming crisis, it must be approached with care and respect. These places are not only treasures of natural beauty and culture but also stark reminders of our planet's fragility—and our role in shaping its future.
For more information on Sustainable Travel check out our related posts below.
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