The Maldives: Struggling to keep its head above water

The Maldives, a group of 1,192 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean, are an example of the severe impacts of climate change. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to the Maldives, as it is causing coastal erosion, the inundation of freshwater resources, saltwater intrusion into groundwater supplies, more frequent extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and damage to infrastructure. Research by NASA and the U.S. Geological Surveys estimates that up to 80% of the Maldives could be underwater by 2050 due to rising sea levels.

The Maldives government garnered international attention for their efforts to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, through events such as an underwater cabinet meeting. This event, which was televised around the world, helped to bring attention to the issue of sea level rise and the fact that poor, developing countries that did not contribute to the Industrial Revolution are disproportionately affected by climate change. For a time, the Maldives became a symbol of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, similar to the role previously played by the polar bear.

To address this crisis, the Maldives are implementing a range of initiatives, including land reclamation efforts, green urban planning, and "Save the Beach" education campaigns. The country is also working to plant new breeds of coral on man-made reefs in an effort to protect and preserve the country's marine ecosystem. Despite these efforts, the Maldives remain vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, which makes it all the more important for people to visit and learn about this beautiful and fragile place before it is too late.