Polar Ice Melt: Which Cities and Regions Are Most at Risk?

Melting Ice Caps: A Looming Threat to Coastal Cities Worldwide

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Published in 02-10-2025

Many coastal cities and island communities are already experiencing more frequent and severe flooding due to rising sea levels.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema

The melting of the polar ice caps, a direct consequence of climate change, represents a growing threat to many cities and regions around the world. Rising sea levels, caused by the melting of polar ice, endanger coastal communities, cities and ecosystems. Below are some of the most vulnerable areas:

Coastal cities at risk:
Amsterdam (Netherlands): Much of this city lies below sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to flooding.
Bangkok (Thailand): The Thai capital is gradually sinking, increasing its risk of flooding.
Calcutta (India): This mega city faces the threat of massive flooding that could displace millions of people.
Dhaka (Bangladesh): Bangladesh's capital, located in a delta, is highly susceptible to flooding and cyclones.

Vanishing Coastlines: The Impact of Polar Melt on Global Communities

Photo: Jonathan Ford

Guayaquil (Ecuador): This port city faces an increased risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.
Hong Kong (China): The city faces rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.
Jakarta (Indonesia): Indonesia's capital is rapidly sinking, making it increasingly vulnerable to flooding.
London (UK): The British capital could be subject to flooding in the future if adequate protection measures are not taken.
Los Angeles (USA): The Californian city faces rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Manhattan (USA): The famous New York island could be subject to flooding due to rising sea levels. Tue.
Shanghai (China): This Chinese megacity faces rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.
Tokyo (Japan): The Japanese capital could be subject to flooding in the future if adequate protection measures are not taken.
Venice (Italy): The city of canals is gradually sinking and faces increasingly frequent flooding.

The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet. Sea ice is shrinking at an alarming rate, affecting wildlife, indigenous communities and the global climate.

Islands and archipelagos in danger:

Maldives: This low-lying archipelago could disappear completely if sea levels continue to rise.
Marshall Islands: This group of islands in the Pacific is at risk of being submerged.
Kiribati: This island nation in the Pacific faces rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Tuvalu: This small island country in the Pacific could disappear completely due to rising sea levels.

Vulnerable coastal regions:
Mekong Delta (Vietnam): This region, crucial for food production, could be submerged, affecting the food security of millions of people. people.
Gulf Coast (US): This region faces rising sea levels, coastal erosion and extreme weather events.
Nile Delta (Egypt): This fertile agricultural region faces rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion.

Urgent action is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Protecting these endangered cities and regions requires concerted global action involving governments, businesses and citizens.