Race Against Time

The Maldives is a name that conjures up visions of crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and floating villas built above turquoise lagoons. For decades, this island nation has been a symbol of paradise, attracting honeymooners and travellers from around the world. But behind the postcard-perfect image lies a growing fear. One that threatens not only the future of the Maldives but also stands as a warning for all coastal nations.

As the world’s lowest-lying country, with an average elevation of just 1.5 metres above sea level, the Maldives is at the very frontline of climate change. For years, scientists have warned that if global temperatures continue to rise unchecked, sea levels could climb high enough to engulf the entire country by the year 2100. And the reality is that the future doesn’t seem as distant as it once did.

Consisting of 26 coral atolls and over 1,100 small islands spread across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is naturally vulnerable. Most of its land barely rises above the sea, and many islands are already experiencing severe coastal erosion. Storm surges and unusually high tides are more frequent, eating away at shorelines and damaging homes and infrastructure.

In fact, some islands have already had to be abandoned because of rising seas. For the people living there, this isn’t a distant climate model – it’s happening now. Their homes are disappearing, freshwater sources are being contaminated by saltwater, and land for farming is shrinking.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed famously held an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to draw attention to the crisis. Wearing scuba gear and sitting around a table beneath the sea, the stunt made global headlines. But more than a media moment, it was a cry for help—a clear message that the world needed to act.

What’s Causing the Water to Rise?
The answer isn’t simple, but a key culprit is the warming planet. As global temperatures rise, glaciers and polar ice caps are melting at alarming rates. At the same time, warmer ocean temperatures cause water to expand – a phenomenon known as thermal expansion.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels have already risen by about 20 centimetres since the start of the 20th century. Projections show that if emissions continue at current rates, we could see a rise of up to one metre by 2100. For the Maldives, that’s more than enough to make life unlivable.

The Human Cost
It’s easy to talk about numbers and statistics. But what about the people?
Roughly half a million Maldivians call these islands home. Their culture, language, and way of life are deeply tied to the ocean. Fishing is not just a livelihood – it’s a tradition that’s passed down through generations. The thought of having to leave everything behind, of becoming climate refugees, is heartbreaking.

Imagine knowing that your homeland might vanish in your grandchildren’s lifetime. That no matter how much you love your country, one day you might have no choice but to leave it behind. This isn’t just a national issue. It’s a deeply human one.

Can Anything Be Done?
Yes – but time is running out.
The Maldivian government has been proactive. They’ve invested in climate resilience projects, built sea walls around the capital city, Malé, and even explored the possibility of buying land abroad as a last resort. There are also ambitious plans to reclaim land and build artificial islands that sit higher above sea level, like Hulhumalé, a man-made island near Malé that is being developed to house tens of thousands of residents in the future.

But while these efforts are commendable, the Maldives can’t do it alone. This is a global problem that needs a global solution. Richer nations – the ones historically responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions – must step up. That means cutting carbon emissions drastically, switching to renewable energy, and supporting vulnerable countries like the Maldives through funding and technology.

Consisting of 26 coral atolls and over 1,100 small islands spread across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is naturally vulnerable.

Will the Maldives Drown?
This is the million-dollar question. The science tells us that if we continue on the current path, with rising emissions and limited global cooperation, the Maldives will face catastrophic changes within the century. But science also tells us that if the world acts now, it can still make a difference.

Limiting global warming to below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, could reduce the worst effects of sea level rise and give the Maldives and other low-lying nations a fighting chance.

Of course, action needs to be more than just promises made at climate summits. It needs to translate into real, enforceable policy – and fast.

A Symbol for the World
The Maldives is more than just a holiday destination. It’s a living, breathing example of what’s at stake if the world fails to address climate change. In many ways, it has become the canary in the coal mine – a warning sign for the rest of us.
If the Maldives goes under, what does that say about the future of cities like Mumbai, Dhaka, or even New York? Millions of people around the world live in coastal areas. Rising sea levels don’t just threaten island nations; they threaten all of us.
The question isn’t just whether the Maldives will drown. It’s whether we will let it.

That depends on what we do now.
With strong global cooperation, innovation, and political will, the Maldives could survive and thrive beyond the century. Without that, its future looks grim. We’re no longer talking about hypothetical scenarios. We’re talking about real lives, real homes, and real cultures that are on the brink.
As individuals, we may feel powerless. But small actions—reducing waste, cutting energy use, speaking up, voting for climate-conscious leaders—all add up. More importantly, we must keep the pressure on those in power to act before it’s too late.

The ocean is rising. The clock is ticking. But hope is not lost.