Climate change has previously been described as "the greatest threat to our existence."
Now, an online game lets you see the damage that climate change could cause to the world in just 75 years.
A free game called FutureGuessr presents hundreds of artificial intelligence-generated countries as they are expected to look in the year 2100.
According to the scientists who created the game, FutureGuessr shows what will happen if no action is taken to stop carbon emissions.
From floods to fires, droughts, heat waves and storms – global warming will change the face of our planet.
“Showing the future of well-known places that interest us can be a powerful way to build support for climate action,” they tell The Conversation.
“Games can create space for serious discussions on ways to combat climate change.”
Below are six locations from the game – can you recognize them?
Place 1: Boreal Forest, Canada
Today, this area is considered the largest intact forest ecosystem in the world, covering 270 million hectares, storing carbon, purifying air and water, and regulating the climate.
But according to FutureGuessr, by the year 2100 the forest will look like a scorched landscape with orange skies and toxic smoke.
Scientists warn:
“The entire area will be reshaped by frequent fires, invasive insects and reduced capacity to absorb carbon. The fires will release millions of tons of CO₂ and further accelerate global warming.”
Place 2: Iherir Oasis, Algeria
Today, this oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with palm trees, gorgeous waters, and impressive cliffs.
But by 2100, this green paradise will be gradually covered by sand due to droughts and rising temperatures.
The view shows cracked ground from a lack of fresh water, leading to the loss of vegetation.
"Agriculture will become impossible and residents may be forced to leave."
Place 3: Tuscany, Italy
Today this European area is filled with golden hills, historic architecture, fertile vineyards, and centuries-old olive trees.
But by the year 2100, these precious elements will turn reddish and cracked by the sun.
Scientists predict:
Decrease in precipitation, but with more violent storms.
Vineyards will produce less and of lower quality, bad news for wine lovers.
Summer temperatures rising by just 4°C could destroy the fertility and beauty of this part of the country.
Place 4: Sequoia National Forest, California
Today, the national park covers more than 1.1 million acres, with giant pine trees reaching over 60 meters in height.
But by 2100, it will be transformed into a "landscape of ash and burnt stumps" due to frequent and uncontrollable fires.
"Ancient pines will be caught in a very dry and hot climate, making the fire more intense."
Scientists warn that almost half of the forest could be at risk by 2050.
Place 5: Jakarta, Indonesia
This Asian megacity will struggle to stay afloat by 2100, when global warming has melted glaciers and ice sheets.
Today it has about 10 million inhabitants, but the northern part near the coast will have disappeared beneath the waves.
Scientists say the city will be largely uninhabitable, with saltwater eroding the land and forcing thousands of families to flee.
Place 6: Almería, Spain
The view looks more like the surface of Mars, with sand particles in the air.
But according to experts, this agricultural area is already one of the driest in Europe.
By 2100, it will turn into a desert without fruit trees or fields, just land torn apart by scorching winds under a hostile sun.
"The area will be stripped of resources and people, as the land will no longer be suitable for agriculture." /GazetaExpress/
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