For decades, it has been widely acknowledged that climate change is a genuine threat with potentially catastrophic consequences for our planet. From the destruction of the ozone layer to the melting of polar ice caps, these issues seem apocalyptic—and in many ways, they are.
Among the most alarming projections from scientists is the possibility that entire countries could disappear due to climate change-related impacts, with some experts warning this could happen as soon as 2050.
But what evidence supports the idea that countries might vanish within the next few decades? Sources such as the World Atlas have explored various indicators that could signal such an outcome.
Key factors include environmental, geographical, and socio-economic conditions, which together may lead to the partial or significant loss of territory. However, it is important to note that countries are unlikely to vanish entirely. The more likely scenario involves nations losing substantial portions of their landmass to rising sea levels, reshaping their boundaries and way of life.
The Maldives
Currently, the Maldives experiences a sea level rise per year of 2,3 mm. This means that the series of flat islands in the Indian Ocean currently faces a complex geographical challenge.
More than 80 percent of the country’s islands are positioned no more than one meter above sea level, and the country’s economy is largely dependent on tourism-related activities. This is bad news for the islands, given that most of the island’s settlements are located just 100 meters from the sea coast.
The country is currently creating artificial islands to ensure it doesn’t disappear for climate-related reasons, as well as continuing its efforts to relocate its population to higher grounds on the islands.
Vietnam
Just like the Maldives, Vietnam is facing a complex threat with sea levels rising at an alarming pace. For a country with a fair amount of rivers and other bodies of water, this could lead to widespread flooding and the contamination of rice fields with saltwater.
This would be a very significant blow to one of Vietnam’s main exports and would challenge the country’s food chain and safety. Additionally, the World Bank has warned of a potential temperature increase of three degrees Celsius in the country. This would also increase the chances of Vietnam joining the list of countries that may disappear, or at least lose significant territory due to climate change.
Samoa is perhaps one of the nations currently getting hit the hardest by climate change. The seven islands are currently experiencing a sea level rise of four mm per year, which, alongside rising sea temperatures, is damaging coral reefs. These coral reefs have been their natural protection against the ocean. Samoa is increasingly likely to be one of the countries that disappear due to climate change-related issues.
Fiji
Yet another set of islands has a good chance of being one of the countries that disappear thanks to rising sea levels and climate change-related hardships before 2050. Fiji currently experiences a sea level rise per year of six mm, which would seriously endanger the country thanks to its low-lying topography. Over the last 3 years villages such as Vunidogoloa have already been forced to move.
Indeed, a World Bank report says that some villages in Fiji have already lost 15 to 20 meters of land because the mangroves are disappearing.
The Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are a collection of 990 Islands located between the Solomon and Santa Cruz archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. These islands have a collection of beautiful landscapes and may be the first country to actually disappear due to climate change problems. Five of the Solomon Islands are already underwater, and six others are already 20 percent submerged.
The islands are also experiencing a sea level rise of eight mm, and efforts are already underway to place people, animals, and vegetation in higher locations.
