India (Commonwealth Union)_ Several countries may disappear from the global map before the start of the 22nd century due to rising waters. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise at an alarming rate, threatening beautiful landscapes and entire nations. Alarmingly, several Commonwealth countries are also on the brink of existential crises. Accordingly, rising seas driven by climate change threaten multiple island nations, especially Commonwealth members like Kiribati, the Maldives, Tuvalu, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Nauru, Seychelles, and the Solomon Islands, as well as coastal regions like Bangladesh and urban centers like Singapore. From low-lying coastal regions close to Africa to the coral atolls of the Pacific, these fragile lands are vanishing faster than we think.
Kiribati
Kiribati, a nation of 33 islands in the central Pacific, stands at the forefront of this crisis. The country’s highest ground averages just two meters above sea level. Climate models suggest sea levels around Kiribati could rise by 0.5 to 2 meters by 2100, making the islands largely uninhabitable. Additionally, storm surges are already damaging coral barriers, flooding towns, and contaminating freshwater sources. As a result, two islands have already disappeared, and more are steadily shrinking. Hence, to protect its people, the Kiribati government is adopting several strategies.
Accordingly, the government has purchased land in Fiji, not just for farming, but as a potential refuge for displaced citizens. The next plan is land elevation. Inspired by large-scale dredging projects like those in Dubai, Kiribati has discussed raising its islands artificially. But projected costs are ten times the nation’s entire GDP. The other plan is floating platforms. Though considered as a concept similar to offshore oil platforms, this remains financially out of reach. Furthermore, Kiribati contributes almost nothing to global emissions, yet it faces the steepest consequences. Its plight underscores a stark global injustice: those least responsible are suffering first and worst.
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Maldives
The Maldives, a group of over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a prime example of rising sea levels. Its islands average barely one meter above sea level. Remarkably, some are even expanding, thanks to shifting sands and tidal patterns, while others erode. Underlying these changes are coral reefs, their lifeblood and protective shield. Yet these reefs are dying. Rising ocean temperatures, which weaken natural defenses and halt the processes that build islands, bleach around 70% of the reefs. Meanwhile, interruptions in rainfall are causing freshwater shortages. Currently, about 77% of the population depends on rainwater. By 2050, an estimated 80% of Maldivian islands may become uninhabitable.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a group of nine coral atolls in the Pacific, is sinking faster than other vulnerable lands. Tides now submerge land that once stayed dry. Sea levels here are rising 50% faster than the global average. Flooding and storms easily affect its narrow coral islands, which average just 1.8 kilometers wide. As sea levels rise, saltwater mixes with freshwater sources, harming crops and reducing clean water. This puts food supplies and daily life at risk. Tuvalu’s government is calling for global help to protect its land and people. Without swift action, experts warn the country could become unlivable in the coming decades, forcing residents to move. Furthermore, in response, the government is building a digital twin of the nation, digitizing its land, records, and population. Residents can hold virtual elections, issue digital passports, and conduct legal matters online. In a world where physical territory may disappear, Tuvalu is redefining sovereignty.
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Fiji
Fiji’s island communities are also feeling the growing threat of the sea. Villages like Vunidogoloa became the first to relocate due to rising waters. Shorelines have receded by 15 to 20 meters in some areas as mangroves vanish. Projections show sea levels may rise up to 43 centimeters by 2050. Additionally, with tropical seas warming rapidly, coral bleaching threatens marine life and the natural coastal shields that reefs offer.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is no stranger to displacement. With a population of around 300,000 spread across 83 islands, communities often relocate after natural disasters. Major floods in 2005, volcanic eruptions in 2017, and inland migration in 2022 displaced thousands. Additionally, governor-funded lawsuits were taken to the International Court of Justice against major polluters, seeking precedent for climate justice, though the outcome remains uncertain.
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Bangladesh
Though not an island, Bangladesh faces similar danger from sea-level rise. Its low-lying delta region is among the most flood-prone areas in the world. Erosion along the Bay of Bengal continues to erode its shoreline, endangering millions. Additionally, along with intense rainfall and river flooding, Bangladesh is on the frontlines of climate-driven displacement.
Samoa
Samoa’s fragile coral reefs once protected its coastlines. As sea temperatures rise, reefs bleach and die. Without these natural barriers, erosion accelerates and shores recede. As a result, islanders face the loss of land and livelihoods.
Nauru
Nauru, one of the world’s smallest republics, lies in the Central Pacific. The island’s few hills offer little natural defense. Without rapid climate action, experts warn this nation may become unlivable within the next 80 years.
Seychelles
Off Africa’s eastern coast lies the beautiful island of Seychelles. Recent studies reveal that sea levels here are higher than at any point in the past 6,000 years. Around 85% of the nation’s infrastructure is close to the coastline. A one-meter increase could wipe out more than two-thirds of its land and coastal communities, along with mangrove forests and protective reefs.
Solomon Islands
With almost 1,000 islands, the Solomon Islands are being lost steadily to the sea. Since 1947, five islands have disappeared; six more have shrunk by 20% or more. Additionally, erosion, seawater intrusion, and shifting land shapes threaten homes and livelihoods. In response, people are planting mangroves, improving soils, harvesting rainwater, and introducing climate-resistant crops. Still, without global emission cuts, these projects may not be enough.
Mauritius
Mauritius is increasingly vulnerable to climate change due to its location in a cyclone-prone region. Sea levels are rising at 5.6 mm per year around the main island and 9 mm near Rodrigues, both above the global average of 3.3 mm. This rise threatens coastal areas and beaches that support the vital tourism industry. In addition, stronger and more frequent tropical storms are adding pressure to the island’s infrastructure and economy. As a small island developing state, Mauritius faces urgent challenges in adapting to these growing climate-related threats.
Singapore
Singapore may be wealthy and well-defended, but low-lying regions and reclaimed land remain vulnerable. The city-state averages 15 meters above sea level but relies heavily on coastal protection. In response, Singapore has invested billions in flood barriers, tidal gates, and smart infrastructure. Its efforts serve as an example but also as a reminder: even well-prepared nations face real risk.
A global wake-up call
These island nations offer a glimpse of a possible future. If global emissions persist without control, sea-level rise could significantly alter the landscape by the end of this century. Beyond flooding, the loss of coral reefs, mangroves, and freshwater sources could force entire populations to relocate, potentially creating new, climate-driven exiles. Some nations are preparing radical solutions. Kiribati’s land purchases in Fiji offer hope for a dignified relocation. Tuvalu’s digital homeland preserves identity even if its physical existence ends. Vanuatu’s legal action may set a global precedent for holding polluters accountable. Still, most solutions require creativity, international cooperation, and, most importantly, money. Meanwhile, low-lying nations carry the burden of escalating seas, despite contributing almost nothing to the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.
Possible solutions
Immediate global action on emissions is critical. Wealthier countries must not only reduce carbon output but also provide financial, technological, and legal support to vulnerable nations. Additionally, protecting and restoring coral reefs and mangroves, investing in resilient infrastructure, and planning dignified migrations are essential steps. Legal frameworks must evolve to recognize the rights of disappearing nations and potentially their future citizens.
The clock ticks
The story of disappearing islands is not confined to distant shores. It is a stark warning for us all. If we fail to protect these vulnerable nations now, it may be only a matter of time before larger coastal cities face similar fates. Furthermore, history will judge whether we acted in time or let paradise slip beneath the waves. With time running out, the world should look for possible solutions like relocation planning, digital sovereignty, legal action, ecosystem restoration, and global emission reductions.
