Maldives to disappear soon due to climate change

The tropical island paradise otherwise known as the Maldives will not be around for much longer if expert predictions are right.

A new report warns the Indian Ocean islands are likely to be the first to feel the effects of climate change as sea levels rise.

According to Phys.org, a study by researchers from the University of Exeter in collaboration with the University of Auckland, James Cook University, the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan, Curtin University and the University of Glasgow, focused on the history and timing of the formation of the islands.

Professor Chris Perry from the University of Exeter said: "Many of the heavily populated islands in the Maldives have limited capacity to respond naturally to sea level rise and this will necessitate additional spending on shoreline maintenance."

There are 110 existing resort islands (atolls) which are set to be joined by up to 60 more, posing even more of a danger to the fragile coral reefs.

The island nation faces challenges including its growing rubbish mountains, over-use of diesel for lighting when the sunlight can deliver plentiful solar power and fishing, says the The Guardian.

Sea levels are estimated to rise by up to 97cm by 2100 - on average, the ground level is currently just 1.5 metres above sea.

When asked the odds of his grandchildren inheriting an inhabitable Maldives, former president Mohamed Nasheed told The Guardian "50-50".

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