Rising sea levels: The Maldives Flashcards
The government of the Maldives held an underwater meeting in 2009. Why?
To show the world the threat they face from global warming.
Why are the Maldives at threat?
The highest point on any island is just over 2 metres above sea level. Most of the islands are less than 1 metre above sea level! As sea levels continue to rise, mire land will be lost. Eventually all residents will have to move.
Sea levels are rising because of global warming. Estimates of how much varies enormously - from 30cm to 1.4 m. Either way it spells disaster for the Maldives. But what are the two things that directly cause sea levels to rise?
1 - Ice on the land melts, adding more water into the oceans.
2 - Thermal expansion of the water - meaning the same amount of water takes up greater volume.
What will happen to the coral reefs?
They will die as the water becomes to warm and too deep for them to grow.
What will happen to the ecosystem associated with the reef?
Yes you guessed it… that will be lost too!
What will happen to the people of the Maldives?
400,000 people will be forced to leave their homes and move elsewhere in the world.
What will happen to the tourism industry?
Currently tourism provides 1/3rd of the GDP. This will decline over time as resorts are flooded and coral reefs die.
