Conversations about the future of our planet have been increasing every day. Whether it's citizens raged by climate change protestors blocking cars on the road, or whether you are following the COP26 talks, the environmental issues of our planet cannot be ignored for much longer.

When once the impact of pollution was an abstract idea that seemed quite far away, the real and scary reality of our planet's poor upkeep is becoming more and more visual, with scientific estimates predicting devastating circumstances as quickly as 2030!

A project titled Climate Central has created maps to show which parts of the world could be most impacted by rising sea levels. Based on the IPCC'S 2021 report, the map predictions are calculated through the current growth of pollution.

Of course, much can change between now and 2030. If our cities are adapted for example, or our governments decide to put forward a serious action plan, we may be able to avoid this terrible fate.

Until then, the future of the following cities should be cause for concern.

Because of Amsterdam's positioning (low, flat and close to the North Sea), the beautiful city is in danger of eventual submerge. So far, the country has been known for their excellent sea defences, but how long can man-made appliances outsmart the will of nature?

The city of Venice, Italy is already known as 'the floating city'. The city is victim to severe flooding and sinking by two millimetres a year. This beautiful holiday destination could soon cease to exist.

Looking beyond Europe, Basra is Iraq's main port city with an intricate network of streams and canals across a gigantic and wide river. This makes the city particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

A 2020 study found that Bangkok, Thailand could be the city that suffers the worst global warming impact in the short term. Like Venice, the city is sinking but worryingly faster. Bangkok is built on dense soil which makes it more prone to flooding and by 2030, most of the coastal area could be underwater.

It's definitely concerning to see how quickly such significant places in our world could disappear as a result of climate change. It makes us wonder what other devastating effects could emerge in relation to global warming. Kolkata in India, Ho Chi Mihn City in Vietnam, New Orleans and Savannah in the US and Georgetown in Guyana are all in serious danger if the pollution levels continue to rise at the current rate.