It is feared that throughout the rest of the 21st century, Chicago could experience a gradual, dramatic increase in heatwaves and flooding due to global warming. 100places.com. Photograph: Jim Richardson/Getty
The largest coral reef system in the world, it is far bigger that Britain, the Netherlands and Switzerland combined. Higher water temperatures are very likely to have devastating consequences for the reef, as will increasing acidifcation of the oceans. 100places.com. Photo credit: Annie Griffiths Belt/ Getty Images
Famous for its 1,200 tropical islands, snow-white beaches, swaying palm trees and richly coloured coral reefs, the Maldives has become a tourist paradise. With 80 per cent of the country less than one metre above sea level, climate change poses a serious threat to the Maldives, especially since almost all of the human settlements, vital infrastructure and industries are located in the close proximity of coast. 100places.com. Photograph: Sakis Papadopoulos/Getty
The rapidly increasing flow of water into the glacial lakes high in the mountains is posing a serious threat to the Bhutanese who live in the valleys. At some point, the glaciers on the holy mountain of Chomo Lhari and other Himalayan peaks may disappear altogether. 100places.com. Photograph: James L. Stanfield/Getty
The San people of the Kalahari desert in southern Africa have seen their lifestyle threatened by many external forces over the centuries. But increased desertification caused by climate change, combined with the advances of land-hungry Âcattle ranches, are now forcing them into ever-harsher reaches of the desert in search of scrubland and water. 100places.com. Photograph: Chris Johns/National Geographic
