Sea Level Rise

The Maldives is one of the lowest countries in the world, with an average elevation of only about 1.5 meters, and is made up of numerous coral islands. Coral reef islands are relatively low-lying and are more vulnerable to the general trend of sea level rise, even if the sea level rise is relatively small, it may pose a serious threat to the land area and ecological environment of the Maldives. "Exacerbated by global climate change, sea-level rise has accelerated from 1.4 to 3.6 mm/year

from the last century to 

2015, accentuating the need for understanding climate risks and developing solutions

for coastal

communities". (X., K. M., & M. A., 2024)

Coral Reef Bleaching

As global warming causes sea temperatures to rise, so does the water in the Maldives' waters. Corals are very sensitive to changes in water temperature, and when the water temperature exceeds their comfortable range, the symbiotic relationship between corals and symbiotic algae (zooxanthellic algae) is disrupted. For example, during climate anomalies such as El Nino, warmer sea temperatures can cause zooxanthellae to die off in large numbers or leave coral tissue, leading to coral bleaching. Dramatic changes in climate, rising ocean temperatures, and increased heat stress events have all contributed to coral bleaching. ( Aarón Israel et al., 2024 )

Extreme Weather

Global warming causes changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that affect the global distribution of heat and water vapor. In the Indian Ocean region where the Maldives is located, changes in atmospheric circulation will affect weather systems in the region, such as the strength and track of monsoon systems may change. As global warming warms the ocean, so does water in the Indian Ocean. Warmer waters provide more energy for storm formation, increasing the likelihood of severe storms such as tropical cyclones forming off the Maldives.

Economic Threat

Tourism is a pillar industry of the Maldives and contributes greatly to its economy. However, this over-dependence makes the economy highly vulnerable to external factors. Although fishing is also an important economic industry, it is limited by Marine ecological changes, resource reduction and traditional fishing methods, and its development space is limited, which is difficult to effectively support economic growth when the tourism industry faces difficulties, resulting in the lack of diversification and stability of the economic structure.