Six percent of Belgium below sea level by 2100

Belgium is 10th in the list of countries most threatened by rising sea levels due to global warming, according to a new American study based on satellite information.

According to the study, 619,000 people in Belgium will live below sea level by the end of the century, or as many as 660,000 people, should the sea level rise at an accelerated rate.

The Flemish Region is aware that the sea level could rise by as much as 30 cm by 2100 and has a master plan ready, which will cost the region up to €300 million. The coastal security plan involves reinforcing dikes and raising beaches.

By the end of this century, about 177 million people worldwide, or 2.6% of the population, will live in an area with "chronic flooding". The problem is expected to affect about 146 million people in Asia, 17 million in Europe and 5 million in North America.