20 Places Likely To Be Underwater By The End Of The Century
These Places Will Be The First To Get Swallowed By The Sea
Global sea levels are predicted to rise over six feet by the end of the century with some coastal areas already starting to see triple the average rate of sea level rise. As a result, megacities on every continent will face serious consequences. From Shanghai to Miami, here are 20 cities that are slated to be submerged by the end of the century unless the world acts fast.
1. Miami, USA
Scientists predict the vibrant city of Miami will be 60 percent underwater by the year 2060. By 2100, most of the city will be uninhabitable due to rising sea levels and frequent flooding.
2. Maldives
As the lowest-lying country in the world, Maldives is expected to be completely submerged by 2100. The nation, made up of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is already being devastated by climate change as it's running out of usable fresh water.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
Thanks to an increase in flooding and the city's low elevation, researchers forecast Bangkok to be 30 percent underwater by the year 2030 if the city's authorities don't take action. Thailand's capital is currently sinking at a rate of one to two centimeters per year.
4. New Orleans, USA
Due to urban sprawl and population growth, The Crescent City is sinking. This coupled with increased flooding and rising sea levels mean large portions of the city are likely to be underwater by 2050.
5. Venice, Italy
If you haven't made a trip to this romantic city yet, it may be now or never. Despite its sophisticated system of flood barriers, Venice is likely to be submerged by 2150.
6. Alexandria, Egypt
Egypt's coastal city of Alexandria is under threat of being swallowed by the sea. Even the UN's most optimistic predictions conclude a third of the city will be uninhabitable by 2050.
7. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Melting glaciers and ice sheets are threatening to submerge Bangladesh's capital city as well as much of the nation by 2050. Dhaka is two meters below sea level, making it most at danger.
8. Jakarta, Indonesia
One-third of Jakarta is likely to be underwater by the year 2050, experts warn. Indonesia's government is working against the clock and spending billions of dollars on anti-flood measures to save the city.
9. London, UK
Within a decade, experts predict significant portions of east London will be underwater. At any point, the Thames barrier could be breached by the rising sea levels, resulting in a mega-flood.
10. Sydney, Australia
Thermal expansion and melting ice sheets are causing Sydney's beaches to erode. Scientists predict the area's sea level to rise one and a half to over three feet by 2100 which would swallow up coastal ecosystems and properties.
Peter Jedidiah Banton on Unsplash
11. Kiribati
Kiribati is the first country rising sea levels will swallow up. The island's residents have already begun to emigrate in droves to avoid the unavoidable catastrophic event.
12. Tuvalu
It's predicted that 50 percent of the island nation of Tuvalu will be submerged by 2050, and by 2100, only five percent of the island will remain. The island sits only two meters above sea level.
13. Shanghai, China
Shanghai tops the list of major cities most at risk of flooding. More than half the megacity will be three feet underwater by the end of the century, researchers predict.
14. Lagos, Nigeria
Africa's most populous city is one of the fastest-sinking places in the world as large parts of it were built on wetlands and islands. Rising seas and floods might make the city unlivable in the next 50 years.
15. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Because it's situated two meters below sea level, Amsterdam is one of the cities most likely to be flooded by 2050. Although the country is accustomed to managing water, defenses may not be able to keep up with the rapid sea level rise.
16. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Researchers say Rio de Janeiro could see its sea level rise eight inches in the next 25 years, putting over 70 million residents at risk. The inevitable loss of Rio's famous beaches like Copacabana will result in heavy job losses.
17. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Argentine capital is experiencing storm surges, flooding, and overwhelmed drainage systems due to heavy rainfall. With extreme weather events predicted to become more frequent and severe, the city will have to take proactive action if it wants to continue to stay habitable beyond 2050.
18. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver's low-lying coastal communities are at risk of being swallowed by the sea in the next 50 years, significantly changing the city's landscape. The city is taking proactive measures to install defenses against flooding.
19. New York City, USA
Scientists are predicting some NYC neighborhoods like East Side Manhattan and Battery Park to be underwater in the next 80 years. The sea level around New York is projected to rise eight to 30 inches by 2050.
20. Venice, Louisiana
Just like its namesake in Italy, Venice, Louisiana is sinking at an alarming rate. Projections suggest the state's coast could lose up to a third of its land by 2050.
