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If all the ice on our planet were to melt, it would result in a substantial rise in the level of the world’s oceans. The estimated sea level rise would be approximately 66 meters (216 feet).
Such a catastrophic rise in sea levels would lead to profound changes in the borders, lives of people, and coastlines of countries in Europe. Here’s a more detailed look at how these changes might manifest:
Coastal borders of European countries would undergo significant shifts due to rising sea levels. Maritime boundaries may need to be adjusted to account for the new coastline. Some low-lying coastal areas may become part of the international waters.
Low-lying coastal areas would be submerged, causing substantial land loss. Countries with extensive low-lying coastal regions, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, and parts of Germany, would experience significant territorial reductions.
Coastal populations would face displacement as their homes become submerged. This would necessitate massive relocation efforts to inland areas or protected coastal regions. Urban areas near the coast would be particularly affected.
Coastal infrastructure, including ports, cities, and transportation networks, would be at risk of inundation. Protective measures like seawalls and dikes would need to be expanded or newly constructed. Major cities like London, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen would need extensive flood protection.
Historical coastal cities and cultural heritage sites would be under threat. Venice, for instance, would face severe challenges in preserving its architectural treasures, and coastal archaeological sites would be at risk.
Economically important coastal regions, such as France’s wine-producing regions and Spain’s coastal tourism areas, would be severely impacted. Economic activities in these regions would face disruption.
Coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, estuaries, and mangrove forests, would be disrupted or lost entirely. This would have detrimental effects on marine life and biodiversity.
The map below, created by Perrin Remonté, shows what would happen with the Europe if all glaciers on Earth will melt.
According to this map of Europe, the following coastal changes will take place:
North Sea and Baltic Sea: These seas would experience rising water levels and encroachment into coastal areas, affecting countries bordering them.
Mediterranean Sea: The Mediterranean coastline in southern Europe would face significant changes due to sea level rise.
British Isles: Low-lying areas along the coasts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland would be underwater. Cities like London, Liverpool, and Cardiff would face significant flooding risks.
Germany and Denmark: Coastal regions in both countries, especially along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, would experience substantial changes. Hamburg, Copenhagen, and other coastal cities would be vulnerable.
Scandinavian Peninsula: Coastal regions in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, particularly along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, would be heavily impacted. Cities like Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm would face flooding risks.
Poland and Baltic Countries: Coastal areas in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland would be affected. Cities like Tallinn and Gdansk would face flooding risks.
France, Italy, Spain, and Greece: Southern European countries would see impacts along their Mediterranean coastlines. Cities like Venice, Athens, Barcelona, and Nice would be at risk of flooding.
Russia: The Russian coastline along the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea would see changes. St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad would be vulnerable to inundation.
In the past, there have been periods of natural climate change when significant ice melt occurred. One notable example is the last interglacial period, known as the Eemian, which took place approximately 130,000 to 115,000 years ago. During this period, global temperatures were higher, and sea levels were estimated to be around 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) higher than they are today.
As for the future, it’s essential to emphasize that the scenario of all the Earth’s ice melting is highly unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future under current conditions. Nonetheless, the impacts of rising sea levels due to ongoing climate change are already a concern. Adaptation and mitigation efforts are crucial to address the potential effects on coastal regions, populations, and infrastructure.
If you’d like to learn more about Climate Change, you may enjoy the following books and movies:
Actually, the map was originally created by Perrin Remonté (as mentioned in the bottom right). The map is available for purchase on his Etsy profile: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1554126075/europe-what-if-all-glaciers-melted-a-new