A new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that sea levels are likely to rise by 25% by 2100. According to a study published in 2019 in Nature Communications, the scientific journal estimated, such a change would displace more than 600 million people.
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world are in danger of disappearing completely by the end of this century if sea levels continue to rise at the current rate. To make it clearer, a team of energy experts have visualized what some of the world’s most popular holiday destinations might look like after 80 years.
Venice, Italy: Known as the "city of water", Venice is experiencing the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Scientists predict that the "floating city" will experience extreme flooding every five years until 2050.
Maldives: Most of the land surface in the Maldives is already less than one meter above sea level, which means that the island is extremely sensitive to tidal growth. It is projected that more than three-quarters of the country will be under water by 2100.
New York, USA: Sea levels are projected to rise by 1.8 meters by 2100. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people may be displaced, especially those in low-urban areas such as Brooklyn and Queens.
Hong Kong: About 56 million tourists visit the active metropolis of Hong Kong every year. However, it is predicted that the coastal city will face a sea level rise between 0.6-1.3 meter by 2100. The damage to the tourism industry could be catastrophic.
Dubai, UAE: If sea levels rise to nine meters, Dubai could sink completely.