Environment |
Rising Sea Levels |
What Are THey?
Rising sea levels are the product of melting glaciers and other ice regions near polar areas (National Geographic). When melted, these glaciers and ice caps contribute to the ocean's sea level. Sea levels have been noticeably increased over the last century, by an estimated 4-8 inches (National Geographic).
Why is the ice melting?
Ice in polar regions has been melting at a pace in direct correspondence with the increase of the temperature in these same areas (Natalia Troflimenko 9). The arctic regions have experienced a warm up of 1.2 degrees fahrenheit per year (Troflimenko 6), an increment that has a very good chance to increase every year. This in turn has caused an abnormal increase of melted ice in arctic regions.
how does this change effect the Maldives
Out of all countries and islands seeing the impact of this sea level rise, the Maldives has proven as one of the most vulnerable. The Maldives is only 8 feet above sea level at it's highest point (Justin Hoffmann), in the Addu Atoll, most of the land is at or slightly below the sea level, making it one of the most at risk lands in the country (Maldives National Programme of Action). Beaches on the atoll have reported severe beach erosion, and damaged land throughout the area (Maldives National Programme of Action). As the problem does not seem to be getting better, locals have begun to move away and tourist resorts have closed (Ministry of Environment and Energy Maldives).
How much is the sea level rising
The Ministry of Environment and Energy for the Maldives estimates an increase in temperature between 3-4 degrees fahrenheit from now until 2080 (Min. of Environ. and Energy Maldives). Through melting ice caps, this prediction translates to a 3 mm sea level increase per year (Min. of Environ. and Energy Maldives). The National Adaption Programme of Action, published by the Maldives, predicts an even more 2-9 mm per year sea level rise from now until 2100 as a result of atmospheric conditions. Both predictions would have the Maldives uninhabitable by 2100.