SEYCHELLES ISLANDS
The Seychelles archipelago, comprising 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is seen by many as the embodiment of a tropical paradise. However, lovers of luxury resorts should be aware that some experts predict the Seychelles will be completely submerged in the next 50-100 years. The reason is the death of coral reefs, which currently prevent erosion and beach washing away.
MALDIVES ISLANDS
The favorite vacation spot of our wealthy compatriots is also under threat. The Maldives islands rise only one and a half meters above sea level and are at risk of flooding even with a slight rise in water level. According to scientists, the country could be completely swallowed by the ocean in the next century. The risk is so great that the Maldivian government is purchasing land in other states – so that citizens of the republic have somewhere to flee in case of a flood. Territories in India and Sri Lanka are being considered as options.
GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral cluster in the world, comprising 2,900 individual coral reefs and 900 islands located in the Coral Sea. Its ridge stretches over 344,000 square kilometers – the reef is so large it can be seen from space. Due to environmental problems, it is sinking deeper: corals need clean water and a certain temperature. Swimming among the beauties of the reef, which is considered unmatched in both picturesque scenery and number of inhabitants, will still be possible for another hundred years.
VENICE, ITALY
The Italian city, one of the most romantic in the world, is famous partly for its canals. Venice has long suffered from floods. In the past, tides and rising water levels played a rather positive role in the life of the city, carrying away stagnant pollution from its canals. Now floods have become more frequent and could destroy Venice before the end of this century.
DEAD SEA, ISRAEL
But the Dead Sea – one of the most amazing bodies of water on the planet – is not drowning (it's actually hard to drown in it), but drying up. The lake, with a rich history, is known for its healing properties and is unique in location: its water level is 427 meters below sea level, and its coast is considered the lowest point on Earth. Over the past 40 years, the water body has receded by 24.4 meters and shrunk by a third. Today, destructive processes are only progressing. Experts predict the lake will disappear within the next 50 years, since its only source of replenishment is the Jordan River.
See the continuation:PLANET EARTH: SEE THE MELTING