Rising ocean waters (sea level rise) have affected many countries worldwide, especially those with low-lying coastal areas, islands, and delta regions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most affected countries and regions:
These countries face existential threats from sea level rise:
- Maldives – May become uninhabitable by the end of the century.
- Kiribati – Has bought land in Fiji as a backup in case of submergence.
- Tuvalu – Already experiencing regular flooding and saltwater intrusion.
- Marshall Islands – Faces frequent king tides and flooding.
- Fiji – Some coastal communities have already been relocated.
🌎 Asia
Heavily populated, low-lying coastal areas make Asia highly vulnerable.
- Bangladesh – Millions at risk due to flooding in the Ganges Delta.
- India – Coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai face rising waters.
- Indonesia – Jakarta is sinking; the government is relocating the capital.
- Vietnam – The Mekong Delta is being inundated by seawater.
🌍 Africa
- Egypt – Nile Delta is threatened by rising seas and salinization.
- Nigeria – Lagos is vulnerable to frequent flooding and storm surges.
- Senegal & Gambia – Coastal erosion is already affecting communities.
🌎 North America
- United States –
- East Coast cities (Miami, New York, Charleston) face chronic flooding.
- Louisiana’s coast is rapidly disappearing (e.g. Isle de Jean Charles).
- Canada – Northern coastal communities face both sea level rise and melting permafrost.
🌎 Central & South America
- Panama – Indigenous communities in the San Blas Islands are relocating.
- Guyana & Suriname – Low-lying coasts are at high risk.
- Brazil – Coastal cities like Recife face erosion and flooding.
🌏 Oceania (besides island nations)
- Australia – Coastal cities like Sydney and Brisbane are under threat.
- New Zealand – Coastal communities are already moving inland in some areas.
🌍 Europe
- Netherlands – Much of the country is below sea level; depends heavily on sea defenses.
- United Kingdom – Coastal erosion is affecting parts of England.
- Italy – Venice regularly floods due to sea level rise and subsidence.
- Germany & Denmark – Coastal areas protected by sea walls but remain at risk.
Summary:
Almost every coastal country is experiencing some impact from sea level rise, whether it’s through:
- Flooding
- Coastal erosion
- Saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies
- Forced relocation of communities
