Is it true that the Maldives is going to sink?

The Maldives are facing a threat from rising sea levels and climate change, which could lead to the sinking of the low-lying islands and atolls that make up the country. This is a widely accepted concern based on scientific observations, although the specific extent and timeline of these impacts may vary.

The Maldives is at risk of sea level rise due to its low-lying geography. Around 80% of the country is less than 1 meter above sea level. Global sea levels are rising at a rate of 3 to 4 millimeters per year, and this is expected to worsen in the future, posing significant threats to the island nation..

It is estimated that by 2050, 80% of the Maldives, which consists of around 1,192 islands, could become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels. This suggests that a significant number of islands will be affected, but the exact number that will “sink” can vary based on specific local conditions. A new island has recently formed in the southern Maldives near Addu city in Gan Atoll. This natural formation is already nearly 1 km long. Additionally, ongoing efforts are being made in the Maldives to expand existing islands by dredging sediment from the ocean floor to address land shortages due to rising sea levels.