A new study published in PNAS raises the alarm for Sicily: the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could push global sea levels up by more than three meters, with devastating consequences for coastal areas.

With nearly 1,500 kilometers of shoreline, Sicily is among the most vulnerable regions of the Mediterranean. According to Climate Central’s analysis, the island’s eastern coast is at greatest risk: Catania and the entire Ionian shoreline could see large areas submerged, threatening homes, infrastructure, and key sectors such as tourism and fishing. Coastal farmlands and wetlands are no less exposed, facing soil salinization and the loss of biodiversity.

The danger extends beyond the economy. Sicily’s cultural heritage is also at stake: Greek and Roman ruins, medieval castles, and ancient coastal fortifications could vanish beneath the waves, erasing centuries of history.

Scientists warn that the main driver is global warming, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the island’s vulnerability will require both local and international action: from tackling climate change to strengthening coastal defenses and improving land-use planning.

Sicily, long defined by its bond with the sea, now faces a crucial challenge: preparing before it’s too late.