Fehmarn is in danger of sinking: rising sea levels in the Baltic Sea!

Fehmarn is in danger of sinking: rising sea levels in the Baltic Sea!

The holiday resort of Fehmarn could be significantly threatened in the near future. According to a report by T Online Large parts of the island could sink into the Baltic Sea. This alarming forecast is based on rising sea levels caused by melting ice on the polar ice caps.

Dr. Ingo Sasgen, a renowned geophysicist and climate expert at the Alfred Wegener Institute, is working intensively on the speed of sea level and the possible effects on the coastline. Climate models suggest that sea levels could rise by up to 80 centimeters by the end of the century.

Creeping danger for Fehmarn

Even an increase of 47 centimeters would put large parts of the west and north coast of Fehmarn at great risk. Villages like Orth and Puttsee would probably disappear, and the Grüner Brik and the Puttgarden campsite would also be affected. The worst-case scenario calls for a rise of 140 centimeters, which could result in flooding of more than 140 square kilometers. Around 18,000 people would be directly affected.

The situation at the NABU waterbird reserve Wallnau in the west of the island is particularly worrying, as it is already below sea level and needs to be protected by dikes. These dikes have been threatened by flood events several times in the past, for example in 2006, 2017 and 2019.

The role of greenhouse gases

The forecasts for flooding in Fehmarn are not indisciplined or unfounded. According to the report by Baltic Sea National Park Future sea level rise depends largely on future greenhouse gas emissions. In the worst case scenario, the scenario of complete flooding of Fehmarn is not expected to occur immediately. However, other coastal regions, particularly the Halligen in the North Sea, could be affected.

The prospect of a potential loss of reference for the region raises the urgent question of what measures can be taken to protect the coastline and preserve the dream destination of Fehmarn. The issue therefore remains a top priority for residents and the responsible authorities.