At this rate we won't have go to the year 3000, these places are rapidly sinking NOW.

My best friend is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Anthropology, specializing in the intersectionality of cultural and environmental anthropology on one of the sea islands of South Carolina. Through our conversations, I've become acutely aware of the looming ecological and environmental disasters caused by rising sea levels, unprecedented flooding, and hurricanes. This led me to wonder about the global scale of this issue. It's alarming to think that some countries are disappearing due to war, name changes, splits, and mergers, while others are slowly succumbing to the rising waters.

Scientists have identified several cities that could be contenders for the "Modern Day Atlantis" award due to their vulnerability to rising sea levels:

Jakarta, Indonesia: The capital city is sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas settling by about a foot per year. About 40% of Jakarta sits below sea level, making it prone to frequent flooding. Scientists warn that by 2030, much of the city could become uninhabitable, prompting Indonesia to start the process of moving the capital.

Lagos, Nigeria: Africa's largest city is at risk due to its low coastline, which continues to erode. Rising seas caused by global warming and environmental changes have increased the frequency of devastating storms, putting Lagos in danger of flooding.

Houston, Texas: Parts of Houston are sinking at a rate of 2 inches per year due to excessive groundwater pumping. Environmental changes in the Gulf of Mexico have made Houston one of the few cities to be significantly impacted by sea-level rise.

Venice, Italy: The iconic city is sinking at a rate of 0.08 inches every year. Efforts to protect the city, such as the Mose flood barrier project, have faced delays, leaving some areas vulnerable to flooding, especially during storms. Given the chaos of 2024, I feel an urgent need to visit Italy and The Netherlands immediately. What if I move and they sink? I can't swim, y'all!

Virginia Beach, Virginia: Facing one of the fastest rates of sea-level rise on the East Coast, Virginia Beach could experience up to nearly 12 feet of sea level rise by 2100, according to NOAA.

Bangkok, Thailand: Sinking at a rate of more than 1 centimeter a year, Bangkok could be below sea level by 2030. Efforts to prevent flooding include the construction of Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, which can hold up to 1 million gallons of rainwater.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Like Houston, parts of New Orleans are sinking at a rate of 2 inches per year. The city could be underwater by 2100, posing a significant threat due to its location on a river delta.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands: With 90% of the city below sea level, Rotterdam has implemented innovative solutions such as "water parks" that double as reservoirs and enormous storm surge barriers to mitigate flooding risks.

Alexandria, Egypt: Beaches in Alexandria are disappearing as sea levels rise. The Mediterranean Sea could rise as much as 2 feet by 2100, putting the city at risk.

Miami, Florida: Miami's sea levels are rising faster than in other areas, leading to floods, contaminated drinking water, and major damage to infrastructure. The city may need to raise its structures to stay above water.

These examples highlight the urgent need for global action to address climate change and its impact on coastal cities. If you're interested in visiting these places, it might be wise to do so sooner rather than later, as the effects of rising sea levels are becoming increasingly evident.