Global warming is changing the level of water in the oceans, which leads not only to local floods or droughts, but also to the disappearance of entire states. The governments of some countries no longer care about economic development and political role in the international arena, but develop intergovernmental programs for the transfer of existing technologies, cultural and information heritage.
In the first place of their activity is the adaptation of the population to the consequences, comprehensive plans for mass migration, the development of alternative farming methods and evacuation plans for those who do not want to leave their homes today. In second place is the preservation of unique species of fauna and flora, the extinction of which threatens flooding of land. The latter applies to both land and ocean species, for which small islands in the vast ocean are a breeding place.
We bring to your attention a list of countries that in the near future may lose a significant part of the territory or even completely disappear under the ocean.
1
Maldives
The archipelago, located on 25 coral atolls, is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world. 1190 small tropical islands, on 358 of which people live (a total of about 460 thousand people). Daily temperature ranges from 23 to 31 degrees Celsius. Ocean level has already increased by 20 cm during the 20th century, which affects the tropical monsoon climate of the Maldives with an average height of 1.5 meters above sea level (at the highest point of 2.4 meters).
The annual average sea level rise for the Maldives is growing exponentially (today it is 1.7 mm / year, and the maximum, peaking during the November southwest monsoon, is approximately 7 mm per year). In addition, an increase in droughts and floods is predicted (especially during El Niño). The point of no return during current anthropogenic activity is 2050. In the risk sector, beaches, settlements, infrastructure, water, biodiversity of coral reefs “Island Necklaces”. The program on adaptation and rescue of zones was developed jointly with the UN Climate Commission in 2006.
2
Tuvalu
Despite the formal monarchy of the state of Tuvalu: even the anthem of this democratic republic begins with the words “God Save the Queen” (Great Britain), the state is rich in its own traditions, which are based on nepotism.
Each family has its own task in the social structure: fishing, construction, protection. Skills are passed on from parents to children. Visitors are surprised by the national cuisine using coconut milk instead of animal, seafood, seafood dishes. In Tuvalu style, the old and new musical world of Polynesia coexist. Women are strong in traditional crafts (processing sea shells, knitting), fashion design and canoeing. The country even has its own sports: kilokiti (similar to cricket), ano (volleyball with a hard ball). And all this risks falling into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
3
Kiribati
Kiribati is the equatorial state of Micronesia and Polynesia in the central Pacific Ocean, whose geography has developed thanks to the relatively young atolls of the equatorial belt and the island of Banaba. The alternation of dry and rainy seasons, heat and steadily rising sea levels are already destroying the islands.
In 2012, the UN session raised the issue of the relocation of the state’s population, the president of the republic has already acquired 2.5 thousand hectares of land in Fiji for human migration. In the reserve on Christmas Island, among others, there remains one endemic unique bird species - the Polynesian warbler Acrocephalus aequinoctialis.
4
Fiji
The Republic of Fiji, whose islands of the same name are also washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. They, like other land of volcanic origin, are still at risk. But changes in rainfall and warming threatened the ecosystem of the state: endemic fauna, insects, unique reptiles: iguanas, geckos; lizards; bats.
5
Nauru
The activities of the people of the dwarf state of Nauru have already led to the destruction of a small island: previously covered with dense vegetation, the surface is dotted with spent phosphate quarries.
Western influence and phosphate mining completely destroyed traditional culture and fauna in the early 20th century. The hot equatorial El Nino weakens the economy of the island, and the approaching ocean, covering the coastal zones, force the settled "estates" to leave the population (traditional on the island households of 2-3 houses). On the island remains to live 10 thousand people.
6
Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia is located on the Caroline Islands, which are also on the verge. Tropical typhoons are emerging here (71 cyclones in the last decade).
Recently, there has been a decrease in precipitation. Coastal erosion primarily affects social phenomena in the country, since 90% of the population lives in the coastal zone. The state is very dependent on US economic assistance.
7
Palau
The Republic of Palau, located north of Indonesia, is famous for underwater wonders. Salt water destroys agricultural land, and ocean acidification determines the death of corals and their inhabitants as a result of "bleaching."
8
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is not an island nation. But the densely populated divisions also suffer from floods, tornadoes, and natural disasters. The reason for this is an increase in temperature and melting Himalayan glaciers. Bangladesh threatens to become a country of “climate refugees” (about 20 million people).
9
Seychelles
Dying coral reefs no longer protect Seychelles from erosion. The sea eats the famous Seychelles palm trees with their huge (up to 20 kg) fruits, and the egg-laying places of giant Aldebarian long-lived turtles.
10
Bali
Two oceans storm the island of Bali in the Malay archipelago: from the south - the Indian Ocean, from the north - the Pacific. The changes are so far barely noticeable, but the water is inexorably, millimeter by millimeter stepping on the homes and temples of the Balinese.
Today, there are many organizations whose purpose is to stop the anthropogenic factors that cause climate change. Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Salvador are trying to save their natural ranges, tropical forest and social structure. Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands , Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, Uganda, Vanuatu and Vietnam.