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Coastal Cities Worldwide Face Underwater Future by 2300
31 Oct
Summary
- Up to 59% of Antarctica's ice shelves could collapse by 2300
- This could lead to 10 meters (32 feet) of irreversible sea-level rise
- Major cities like London, New York, and Shanghai would be submerged
According to a study published in 2025, cities and towns around the world could be underwater within the next 275 years. Scientists from Sorbonne University in Paris predict that up to 59% of Antarctica's ice shelves could collapse by 2300 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unchecked.
This collapse would result in up to 10 meters (32 feet) of irreversible global sea-level rise, submerging entire coastal regions. In the UK, major cities like Hull, Glasgow, and Bristol would be completely underwater, while in the US, Houston, New Orleans, and Miami would be forced to relocate. Globally, coastal communities from Bangladesh to Shanghai would face a dire future.
The researchers emphasize that this is a conservative estimate, and the actual collapse could occur even sooner depending on the vulnerability of the ice shelves. They warn that the period between 2085 and 2170 will see the highest rate of ice shelf loss, with dramatic consequences for coastal regions worldwide. Urgent action to curb emissions is crucial to prevent this catastrophic scenario from becoming a reality.
