In the Indian Ocean, there are 1,200+ islands that together are known as the nation of Maldives. These tiny islands are never more than six feet above sea level, so you can imagine how climate change could be a concern to the people of Maldives. If sea levels rise even just a tiny bit, Maldives could find itself submerged beneath the ocean.
Maldives’ solution? Artificial, floating islands.
A company from the Netherlands called Dutch Docklands, which specializes in water-based architecture, has signed a deal with the Maldivian government to build a number of floating islands that will house major facilities like a golf course and a convention center. You know those artificial residential islands off the coast of Dubai called “The World,” that are shaped to look like a map of the Earth? Dutch Docklands had a hand in that. Future plans include development of floating housing units for Maldives citizens, and all of this being designed with an eye toward environmental protection. Dutch Docklands says that their artificial islands would weather even a hurricane with no sweat.
Early concept images for the artificial islands depict enormous atolls that are shaped like five-pointed stars. Seen from above, you might think the islands are entirely green with jungle flora, but the clever design hides from view giant structures under the greenery. These concepts were designed by Koen Olthuis, architect for Waterstudio.NL. Neither Maldives nor Dutch Docklands is willing to disclose how much these faux islands are going to cost, but there have to be a lot of zeroes after those dollar signs.
Scientists speculate that Maldives will be completely underwater by the end of the century if the current rate of climate change continues on course.
