If All the Ice in Antarctica Melted: Which Countries Would Be the Last Ones to Flood?

Global ice caps and ice sheets, if entirely melted, would raise sea levels by approximately 70 meters, or 200 feet. This massive increase in sea levels would significantly impact many countries and regions around the world. However, some countries would escape the devastating consequences of rising sea levels.

Which Countries Would Avoid Flooding?

In the event that all the ice in Antarctica melted, several countries would remain significantly above the new sea level, thereby avoiding flooding. These countries include Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Bhutan, and Bolivia. These nations stand higher than the 70-meter mark, providing a buffer against sea level rise. For instance, Switzerland's highest point is over 4,000 meters, ensuring it stays dry even in a worst-case scenario.

Why Confining the Question to Antarctica is Misleading

Your question is limited to Antarctica, but the full impact of global ice melt would extend far beyond this continent. The Arctic Ocean and the massive Greenland icecap also contribute to rising sea levels, which would cause irreparable damage to numerous coastal cities, even those that have made extensive preparations. Additionally, major rivers would reverse direction, flooding their drainage areas. Many islands and low-lying lands would literally disappear, leading to widespread displacement.

Consequences of Global Ice Melt

The world would experience a series of dramatic changes. Approximately 100 meters of elevation would leave a large amount of land dry, but a significant portion of extremely valuable and productive land would be submerged. The high elevations would remain safe, but the coastal areas would face severe flooding. Moreover, the weather patterns would become highly erratic, leading to unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions.

Impact on Global Climate

The melting of these vast ice caps would also have profound effects on the global climate. The alteration in ocean currents and the reduction of albedo (reflectivity) of the Earth's surface would contribute to significant changes in temperature distribution worldwide. The impact on sea temperatures and currents would be substantial, potentially causing more extreme weather patterns and more frequent, intense storms. The erratic weather could lead to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and hurricanes in some regions, while other areas might experience cooler temperatures and less precipitation.

Overall, while some countries might remain dry, the global consequences of the ice melt in Antarctica (and beyond) would be catastrophic, affecting millions of people and the global economy. It underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to address the climate crisis and mitigate these potentially devastating impacts.