Is Maldives sinking?
The short answer to this is yes, it is.
Why is Maldives sinking though? It’s because water from the Earth’s melting land-ice is flowing into the ocean, raising sea-levels.
Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, averaging only six feet in height. One study quoted in the Chicago Tribue says, assuming the world continues with high fossil fuel use, global sea-levels could rise up to 132 cm (4ft 4 inches) by 2100. That is two-thirds of the average elevation of Maldives.
What you need to know is that Maldives is already battling the effects of climate change and subsequent sea-level rise.
When a tidal surge affected the capital city Male in 1987, it made headlines. Now, they are a common occurrence, not just in Male but on other islands, too. It’s not only bad news for those seeking beachside relaxation – it means the corruption of the fresh-water lens on the islands and adverse effects on crops and other vegetation. A tidal surge is a phenomenon like a tsunami that’s associated with storms like hurricanes and cyclones.
And speaking of storms, experts predict that they will increase in intensity and so Maldives will get more wind and rain, leading to floods and wind-damage to property. While the intensity of rains might be magnified, scientists predict there will be much longer dry spells with heatwaves that will make the country very hostile to those accustomed to present-day conditions.
People will remember the underwater cabinet meeting held by ‘The Island President’ Mohamed Nasheed to draw attention to the plight of the archipelago. All presidents, beginning with Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and with the exception of Yameen Abdul Gayoom, have prioritised environmental concerns. But a tiny nation’s environmental efforts account for little compared to the indifference of larger global polluters.
So, Maldives is already sinking, and in more ways than one. It will be among the first victims of climate disaster, and will likely become inhospitable long before 2100, when certain studies say the country will be totally submerged.
And just in case you don’t get here by 2100, there could still be some cool Atlantis-like ruins worth exploring so invest in free-diving lessons.
