Our world is constantly changing and evolving. And with these changes, there are many small exotic islands that will soon be submerged under the vast oceans. It is only wise that you experience their beauty while you can, instead of reading about them in travel books and websites. The beauty of these islands is simply enchanting! Covered with natural beauty all across, these islands make you feel closer to nature and make you experience its natural beauty, helping you unwind yourself from your stressful city lifestyle. So, make it a point that you write the names of these islands into your bucket list and take a trip soon before they get engulfed by the deadly ocean waters.
Solomon Islands
A group of almost 1000 beautiful secluded islands that are located in the South Pacific, it is believed that the Solomon Islands will be engulfed by the sea in the near future. According to reports, the sea level in the region has been increasing by 8 millimeters every year, since 1993. The water level is increasing way too fast! Even Choiseul, the province capital is merely 6.6 feet above the sea level. A new town is under construction for the residents of the city to relocate. Based on a science paper released in 2016, 5 reef islands from the Solomon Islands have already disappeared.
Maldives
One of the most famous honeymoon destinations for newly married couples, Maldives is sadly yet another island that will soon be wiped out form the face of earth. A beautiful archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is home to a wide number of lush resorts and underwater hotels. According to a report by the CIA, the island is sensitive to the rising sea level due to its low elevation. By 2100, the entire island will be underwater.
Palau
Known for its mesmerizing natural beauty, the island of Palau is facing one of the most extreme conditions of global warming. Based on the science and weather reports published by the Palau National Weather Service Office in association with the Pacific Climate Change Science Program, the sea level at the island has increased by 0.35 inches since 1993, every year which is almost 3 times than the average across the world. As a result of the change the non-stingy jelly fishes have disappeared from the area.
Fiji
The popular Fiji islands located in the Pacific ocean is one of the most vulnerable islands in the list. Located in the pacific belt, the island already has a village named Vunidogoloa relocated due to the increasing sea level. According to a report by World Bank, some of the villages in the island have already lost 15 – 30 meters of their shoreline due to the loss of the mangroves. Due to the rising temperatures, even the coral reefs are affected, causing coral bleaching, a phenomenon where the colorful corals lose all their colors and turn white and get more susceptible to diseases.
Seychelles
Located in the Eastern coast of Africa, Seychelles is one of the most exotic and beautiful islands on the planet. Sadly, the island is also under threat of disappearing due to its increasing sea level. According to the study performed and followed by the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, the increasing sea level can lead to a natural disaster. Just 1 meter increase in the sea level can adversely affect the coastal areas, the mangrove forests and the coral reefs.
Shishmaref, Alaska
Shishmaref is a small island in Alaska with a population of merely 650 people. According to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), the island has been slowly disappearing for the last 50 years. The island will be wiped out in the next 20 years. Based on the reports of Esau Sinno,13 houses have already lost their land.