Maldives, an archipelago of 1196 islands, is one among the countries vulnerable to climate changes. This is the flattest country on Earth. In recent days many studies emerged on Global warming and its impact on environment. Almost every documents speaks about the increase in Sea Levels. Maldives is the lowest lying islands of the world. Most of the islands are situated at 1.5 meters above mean sea level. But, some Islands with dunes are 2.4 meters above Sea level.
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| An Island in Maldives |
With a slightest rise in sea levels, the possibility of lower lands submerging is high. Core samples, tide gauge readings, and, most recently, satellite measurements tell us that over the past century, the Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL) has risen by 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters). However, the annual rate of rise over the past 20 years has been 0.13 inches (3.2 millimeters) a year, roughly twice the average speed of the preceding 80 years (Source: National Geographic).
At the current rate of increase in sea levels, by 2100 Maldives would be uninhabitable. Since 1950s, sea levels in and around Maldives is rising at a rate of 1.6 millimeters per year. Due to the kind of topography, rise in sea levels translate to extensive land inundation. With Rise in Sea levels, they face a situation like abrupt weather shifts, change in migration pattern of the fish, storms & waves etc. These climatic conditions also kill the coral reefs. During
The rising sea levels will threaten the beach front resorts, the country depends on for the economy. Tourism of Maldives contributes 28% of the countries GDP. The climate change will impact tourism dependent economy to very extent in near future.
There are five airports and 128 harbors on the coastline of Maldives. These all structures possibly will have a threat of flooding in future, which effects the economy of the country.
Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, in April 2012 stated " If Carbon emissions were to stop today, the planet wouldn't see a difference for 60 to 70 Years. If the carbon emissions continue at the rate they are climbing today, my country will be under water in seven years". He called for more climate change mitigation while on American television shows.
17th October 2009 Cabinet members of Maldives donned scuba gear and held a meeting 20ft below sea level to highlight rise in sea levels.
Maldivian government has identified measures to help the country adapt to rising sea levels. Government had created a sovereign wealth fund from the dollars they generated from tourism. They are looking into options like buying land in India, Srilanka and Australia. But in April 2008, President expressed his intentions "We don't want to leave Maldives, but at the same time we don't want to become climate refugees living in tents for decades".
Maldives now plans to offset the carbon emissions by 2020.
Sea Level Trend 1993-2012
Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, in April 2012 stated " If Carbon emissions were to stop today, the planet wouldn't see a difference for 60 to 70 Years. If the carbon emissions continue at the rate they are climbing today, my country will be under water in seven years". He called for more climate change mitigation while on American television shows.
17th October 2009 Cabinet members of Maldives donned scuba gear and held a meeting 20ft below sea level to highlight rise in sea levels.
Maldives Cabinet Underwater stunt
Maldivian government has identified measures to help the country adapt to rising sea levels. Government had created a sovereign wealth fund from the dollars they generated from tourism. They are looking into options like buying land in India, Srilanka and Australia. But in April 2008, President expressed his intentions "We don't want to leave Maldives, but at the same time we don't want to become climate refugees living in tents for decades".
Maldives now plans to offset the carbon emissions by 2020.
