Will the Maldives be underwater soon?

Will the Maldives be underwater soon? Yes, this is the future prediction. This article explains this prediction. It also gives details about the action made by the Maldivian government for this. Please read the full article.

What comes to your mind when you think about Maldives? Blue sky, beautiful beaches, shimmery white sand, etc.

Maldives remains on the bucket list of most of us. It is a tropical paradise that is present in the Indian Ocean. It is pristine for its luxurious overwater bungalows. 

But do you know that 80% of the Maldives will be underwater soon? Several photos and research by NASA and the US Geological Survey have revealed that around 80% of Maldives might sink underwater by 2050. It is facing an ominous threat due to rising sea levels. 

Let’s understand certain factors which will lead to the Maldives becoming underwater. 

Rising Sea Levels

Rising Sea Level is the major cause for the prediction of Maldives becoming underwater.

The average ground level of Maldives is just 1.5 meters above sea level. With the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicting a rise of up to one meter or more by the end of the century, the Maldives faces an existential crisis.

This would lead to widespread inundation of both natural beauty and livelihood. 

Consequences after Maldives Become Underwater 

If Maldives becomes underwater, the consequences will be devastating.

There will be displacement of locals, jeopardizing their homes; livelihoods, culture, and nature, all will be distinguished.

Additionally, the unique biodiversity of the coral reefs, which are a vital component of the Maldivian ecosystem, would face irreparable damage.

The economic impact on the tourism industry, a crucial source of revenue for the Maldives, would be catastrophic.

Most of the people in Maldives live in small and densely populated areas that are threatened by even the slightest sea level rise. 

Adaptation Strategies

By observing the conditions of Maldives and knowing the prediction that Maldives will be underwater soon, the Maldivian government and international organizations have implemented adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts. 

Renewable Energy 

Maldivian government is investing in renewable energy, like solar and wind power to reduce its carbon footprint. This transition will help to minimize the contribution towards global warming. Global warming is the ultimate cause of Maldives becoming underwater soon.

Coral Reef Conservation

Preserving the health of coral reefs is vital for the Maldives’ ecosystem. Initiatives focused on coral reef conservation, including strict regulations on fishing practices and the establishment of marine protected areas. This aims to protect the coral reef from further degradation. 

Infrastructure Development

The Maldivian government is constructing seawalls, elevated platforms, and other protective measures to withstand rising sea levels and storm surges. These infrastructure projects will help to increase the resilience of its islands. 

International Collaboration

Recognizing that climate change is a global issue, the Maldivian government is actively engaging in international collaborations to raise awareness, seek financial assistance, and foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through alliances with other vulnerable nations and support from global initiatives, the Maldives aims to strengthen its resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The key component of the country’s foreign policy is climate change mitigation. A study based in 2017 on public opinion on climate change, found that half of the respondents see future ocean-level adaptation to be a difficult situation at the public level. They acknowledge that movement from islands to different nations may be a possible choice. 

Role of Tourism

Tourism, while a significant contributor to the Maldivian economy, also plays a role in the environmental challenges faced by the country. The carbon footprint associated with travel and the impact of tourism-related activities on local ecosystems poses additional threats.

Now, sustainable tourism practices, including eco-friendly resorts, waste reduction measures, responsible tourism initiatives, etc., are being practiced. These are essential for the long-term viability of the industry; without compromising the delicate balance of the Maldivian environment.

The Maldives, with its idyllic beauty, faces a stark reality – the looming threat of being underwater due to rising sea levels. The global community must join forces to address the root causes of climate change and support vulnerable nations like the Maldives in their efforts to adapt and mitigate the impacts. Through a combination of sustainable practices, international collaboration, and strategic planning, there is hope that the Maldives can navigate the challenges ahead and secure a sustainable future for its people, environment, and the tourism industry that has long been its economic backbone. Time is of the essence, and concerted global action is imperative to ensure that the Maldives does not become a tragic casualty of climate change.