With the rise in sea levels caused by global warming, these countries are in grave danger. The melting of glaciers and glaciers is one of the many consequences of global climate change. Water from these springs flows into the surrounding oceans, creating a chain reaction. Perhaps the most pressing issue is rapidly rising sea levels, which threaten the security and future of at least 52 countries around the world with a total population of about 62 million.
Rising sea levels are forcing people to leave their homes, destroying their homes and causing some countries to disappear. This article examines the 10 most at risk countries that could soon disappear due to global climate change.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is located in South Asia and borders India and Myanmar. It is the only non-island state on the list. Its population is over 163.18 million people, which are constantly threatened by the numerous floods, cyclones and tornadoes that occur here.
These natural disasters are becoming more frequent due to global climate change. The glaciers in the Himalayas are melting faster than usual, leading to more flooding. At least 25% of the country's territory is flooded every year, which prompts the population to adapt to such conditions.
One such adaptation was the cultivation of crops on huge rafts that can float when the water level rises. Scientists estimate that about 20 million climate refugees will flee their homes in the coming years.
9. Comoros
The Comoros are located between Madagascar and Mozambique east of the African coast. They consist of 3 large and several smaller islands with a population of 798 thousand people. The country is sensitive to climate change and has suffered devastation from rising sea levels and increased flooding.
These problems have reduced agricultural production, led to the destruction of the coral reef and affected the local fishing industry. The Global Climate Change Alliance is working with the local government to help the country cope with negative impacts with plans and strategies for the future.
8. Tonga
Tonga, located in the South Pacific Ocean, consists of 169 islands. Only 36 islands are inhabited, and the total population is just over 103,000. One of the greatest threats this country is struggling with is rapidly rising sea levels.
Residents and local entrepreneurs have already faced the disappearance of beaches, were forced to move their homes, offices and restaurants further inland in order to get away from the surging water. The mangroves here have been destroyed, leaving the coastal zone vulnerable to storms and erosion.
7. Seychelles
Seychelles is located in the western part of the Indian Ocean and includes 115 islands with a total area of 458 sq. km. Rising temperatures in the ocean surrounding the islands have destroyed coral reefs here. These reefs served to protect the islands from erosion; without them, the islands are now threatened with destruction. If the sea level rises by only 1m, 92 thousand people living here will have nowhere to go.
6. Palau
Palau is located southeast of the Philippines and consists of over 300 islands. Its population, about 21 thousand people, mainly lives on 1 of the 8 large islands. Rising sea levels have already wreaked havoc on the community here, with increased erosion gnawing away useful land and salt water reaching agricultural crops. The rise in temperature of this water also erodes nearby coral reefs, resulting in more erosion and negatively impacting the local fishing industry.
5. Nauru
Nauru, located in the middle Pacific Ocean, has an area of only 21.3 square meters. km and a population of just over 10 thousand. Due to mining in the past, most of its land area has become unsuitable for human habitation. Local residents have no choice but to live along the coastline, which is rapidly disappearing due to global warming.
The government initiated a project to rehabilitate old mining areas in an attempt to increase the amount of land suitable for living. In addition, environmental sustainability has become a key component of his policies in his attempt to tackle climate change.
4. Kiribati
Kiribati is an island state located in the Pacific Ocean between the state of Hawaii and Australia. Its 33 islands cover a total area of only 812 sq. and are already facing the effects of rising sea levels. Between 1992 and 2010, for example, the ocean rose by a total of 17 cm annually.
In some areas, the water rise was much higher. Most of the people in Kiribati have already moved to the largest island after losing their place of residence. The President of the country purchased 2,428 hectares of land from Fiji to relocate the inhabitants of the island.
3. Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia, located east of the Philippines, consists of 607 islands and atolls. The rising sea level has already caused them significant damage and even led to the fact that local cemeteries were buried under water. In response to these threats, the government adopted a sustainable development concept and a climate adaptation strategy. The ocean surrounding these islands is expected to rise between 40 and 157 cm by the end of this century.
2. Tuvalu
Tuvalu consists of 3 reef islands and 6 atolls located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its total area is only 26 sq. and a population of 10,640 people. The inhabitants of this country are already seeking refuge elsewhere due to the destruction taking place here in connection with global climate change.
Not only are residents here losing vital territory and facing constant erosion and flooding, but the salinity of the remaining soil becomes too excessive for agricultural activities.
1. Maldives
The Maldives is located west of India and consists of about 1,100 islands. As the lowest-lying islands in the world, at just 1.28 m above sea level, the country is particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. Many of the islands here are known to experience beach erosion, which significantly reduces the area of land suitable for human habitation.
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