With the accelerating pace of climate change and the melting of polar ice, scientists have issued shocking forecasts indicating that sea levels could rise by an additional 25% beyond previous estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which ranged between 0.43 and 0.84 meters by 2100.
This rise simply means that many coastal cities and tourist islands could be submerged in the coming decades, marking one of the most severe environmental crises threatening modern civilization.
Venice… From the Floating City to the Sunken City
Italy’s Venice has long been an icon of beauty and architectural charm, but its serene canals could soon give way to a full-scale flood disaster.
Scientists predict that sea levels in the city could rise by 1.04 meters by 2100, meaning severe floods could hit Venice every five months by the end of the century. Consequently, the “Floating City” may be redefined as the “Sunken City,” facing enormous challenges that threaten both its global heritage and its residents.
The Maldives… A Tourist Paradise Facing Submersion
The Maldives are among the world’s most famous tourist destinations, yet their low-lying geography makes them extremely vulnerable to flooding. Studies estimate that 77% of the Maldives’ land could be submerged if sea levels rise by just one meter, severely impacting livelihoods and tourism—the backbone of its economy. Even luxurious overwater villas could soon find themselves beneath the waves.
New York… The City of Dreams on the Brink of Flooding
Projections suggest that sea levels in New York could rise by about six feet (1.8 meters) by 2100. With hundreds of thousands of residents living in low-lying areas such as Brooklyn and Queens, many face the risk of forced displacement. The “City of Lights and Skyscrapers” could one day become a scene of the past unless urgent measures are taken to curb emissions and adapt to the impending threat.
Hong Kong… The City That Battles the Sea
Hong Kong welcomes around 56 million tourists annually, yet expected sea-level rises between 0.6 and 1.3 meters could put large parts of the city at risk of flooding. Experts warn of catastrophic impacts on both the population and infrastructure, with low-lying areas experiencing recurrent floods that threaten the tourism and financial sectors.
Islands Disappearing from the Map
Small island nations such as the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, and Tuvalu may face an even harsher fate. Experts warn that these islands could disappear entirely by the end of the century, displacing millions and creating what are known as “climate refugees.”
Global Warnings
Scientists emphasize that the threat is not limited to small islands; major cities like Miami, Tokyo, Alexandria, Cape Town, London, and Amsterdam are also at risk. If global warming continues on its current trajectory, floods could become a recurring event, turning coastal cities into uninhabitable areas both for living and tourism.
