The old city is tied together by five large plazas, each of which maintains its own character and personality. The last Cuban city founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1519, Old Havana retains much of its original character as both a large shipping port and military defense installation while offering visitors a vivid slice of life in the Caribbean's largest metropolis. Scientists fear that changes in water temperatures will throw off the cycle, leading to a scarcity of males and choking off further reproduction. The higher the temperature, the more likely a turtle is to produce females. Sea turtles, for example, time their reproduction cycles to sea temperatures that ensure an adequate ratio of male and female offspring. Ĭlimate change not only threatens the island, its people and its architecture, but also many of the creatures that call the waters surrounding Mozambique home. The city is considered a strong example of architectural unity, given that islanders have relied on the same techniques and materials since the 16th century. Today, it's known as much for its enchanting beaches, spectacular coral reef and vibrant blue waters as it is for its centuries-old fortress and various religious buildings. Originally inhabited by natives of the Bantu tribe and later in the 10th century by Arab settlers, the island of Mozambique (off the coast of the African country of Mozambique) rose to prominence as a Portuguese trading outpost on the route to India. John Seaton Callahan/Getty Images/Flickr Open The Chapel of Santo Antonio sits on the southern end of the Island of Mozambique. The city's elevation, just 10 feet (3 meters) above the North Sea, leaves it susceptible to climate change-related increases in water levels. The 401-foot (122-meter) Church of Our Lady is among the world's tallest brick buildings, as well as home to Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child," the only one of the artist's sculptures to leave Italy during his lifetime. The first mention of the city was in 9th century. The center of the city (spelled "Bruges" in English and "Brugge" in Dutch) just so happens to be a charming medieval historic settlement that served as the launching point for Flemish primitive painting. If you've seen the 2008 black comedy "In Bruges," then you probably already know that this scenic Belgian town's stunning array of Gothic architecture makes a good backdrop for a dark buddy film about two hapless hit men who take in the sights while awaiting a call from their foul-mouthed, easily irritated boss. CHRISTOF KOEPSEL/DIGITAL VISION/THINKSTOCK īruges' elevation is just 10 feet (3 meters) above the North Sea. City workers are scrambling to set up a series of seawalls to lessen the flood damage. Meanwhile, research shows that Venice's elevation is sinking by about 0.09 inch (2 millimeters) each year while sea levels rise by 2 millimeters. But these events are becoming more extreme - as much as 70 percent of the city was underwater during a flood in 2013 - and climate scientists attribute that to rising sea levels. įrom its low perch on the Adriatic Sea in Italy's northeast corner, Venice is no stranger to flooding. Let Florence have all the good art museums this city on the water is a living, breathing monument to the Byzantine, Gothic and Islamic influences it's seen over more than 1,500 years. One of the world's most unique urban settings, the Italian city of Venice consists of 118 islands over a lagoon, many of which are linked through a series of canals. Research shows that Venice’s elevation is sinking by about 2 millimeters each year while its sea levels rise by 2 millimeters. With average surface temperatures possibly ticking up by as much as nearly 9 degrees F (5 degrees C) by 2100, that would mean an accompanying sea-level jump of about 30 feet (9 meters). If a pair of European researchers is right, some of the most important historic, architectural, cultural and religious destinations on the planet may eventually be lost to the seas.įirst, the numbers: Sea levels are expected to rise by as much as 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) per every 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) that global temperatures increase, according to researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. They're not just talking about a handful of backwater locales already rendered nearly vacant by the invisible hand of modern progress. With those surging waters comes the potential for lower-lying land areas around the globe to be washed out, according to climate scientists. Rising temperatures + melting glaciers = higher seas levels. How long will it be before Venice sinks below sea level? iSailorr/Getty Images/iStockphoto
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