The End of the Maldives?

The Maldives , 1)___ paradise 2)_____ tropical beaches and pure white sand, attracts about 500,000 tourists every year. But the natural beauty 3)____ this island nation may soon disappear. The 1,100 islands that make up the Maledives may disappear from the surface of the Earth in 4)_____ next century because 5)____ global warming. According to scientists, the sea levels will rise 6)_____ about 60cm in the next one hundred years.The islands are protected by coral reefs. The rise of the oceans, however, will lead to higher waves and destroy the reefs. As 7)____ result , more salt 8)_______ the ocean may spread to and destroy the ground and soil of the islands. Global warming will also damage the fishing industry 9)____ the island. Plankton lives deeper when the water becomes warmer. So tuna fish, the 10)____ important type of fish, live in deeper areas too. That means they are much harder to catch. Tourism 11)____ the Maledives is in danger too. The white sandy beaches could disappear 12)__ fast __ the reefs. People wouldn’t come to dive in the colourful water any more. The island’s leaders are aware of the dangers. Plans are underway to find a new living area 13)____ the population. Finding a new homeland 14)____ not easy. One plan calls for the rescue of at least a 15)____ of the islands . It may be possible to make them higher.