Top 10 SINKING CITIES In The World - 10 Cities That Will Soon Be Underwater

The world's coastal cities are facing an imminent threat as sea levels continue to rise, and the phenomenon of land subsidence exacerbates the problem. Approximately 37% of the global population resides in coastal communities, making these regions highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. This video explores the critical issue of sinking cities, examining the causes, consequences, and proposed solutions for some of the most at-risk urban areas around the world.

Introduction

The world is experiencing a period of unprecedented environmental change, driven primarily by climate change and rising global temperatures. Sea levels are on the ascent, a direct consequence of melting polar ice and the thermal expansion of seawater. Coastal cities, home to a significant portion of the world's population, are grappling with the adverse effects of this phenomenon. Sinking cities are those urban areas at risk of disappearing due to a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence, a process characterized by the gradual sinking of land.

The Global Perspective

Since 1880, the global sea level has risen by approximately 8 to 9 inches, and predictions indicate that by the end of this century, it could rise by at least a foot above the levels seen in 2000. The consequences of such sea-level rise are already evident in many coastal cities. The reasons behind this phenomenon vary, including natural geological processes, human-induced factors, or a combination of both. Let's uncover the cities that could face the threat of complete disappearance by the end of the 21st century.

1. Jakarta, Indonesia: Sinking at an Alarming Rate

Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is the world's fastest-sinking city, located on Java's northwest coast. Excessive groundwater pumping causes land subsidence, with parts sinking about a foot yearly. Roughly 40% of Jakarta lies below sea level, increasing flood risk. Scientists predict that by 2030, much of the city may be uninhabitable. To address this, the Indonesian government approved a $33 billion plan to relocate the capital 100 miles away to Borneo, with construction already underway.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: A Historical Perspective

The Netherlands, known for its rich history of battling the sea, is facing the consequences of land subsidence, particularly in cities like Amsterdam. The country's soft peatland ground, coupled with the impact of climate change, has made some coastal Dutch cities susceptible to sinking. Though the Dutch have been implementing mitigation measures for the past 50 years, it might have come too late. In Amsterdam, iconic Dutch windmills, once used for irrigating the land, have inadvertently contributed to the instability of the coast. By 2050, the cost of repairing and maintaining damaged infrastructure is projected to reach €5.2 billion, and by 2100, sea levels along the Netherlands are expected to rise by approximately 2.5 feet.

3. Houston, Texas: Groundwater Pumping Takes Its Toll

The western Gulf Coast of the United States is witnessing some of the fastest land subsidence rates in the country, with Houston bearing the brunt of the issue. Excessive groundwater pumping has been a primary driver of land subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area. Removing water from fine-grained silts and clays underground compresses the aquifer and lowers the land surface. Over the years, parts of Houston have sunk almost 10 feet due to groundwater removal. This subsidence poses a significant risk to the city, leaving it vulnerable to disasters like Hurricane Harvey, which damaged thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands of residents. While some efforts to regulate groundwater pumping have slowed down the problem, the damage done is irreversible, highlighting the need for long-term solutions.

4. Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Disproportionate Burden

Bangladesh, responsible for only 0.3% of global emissions contributing to climate change, is paradoxically facing some of the most severe subsidence in the world. Dhaka, the capital city, is grappling with the increased frequency of flooding, which has brought the issue of land subsidence to the forefront. Situated in the Ganges Delta, the world's largest river delta, Bangladesh is positioned in a way that makes it disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. Oceans are projected to flood approximately 17% of Bangladesh's land by 2050, displacing millions of people. Despite being a minor contributor to global emissions, Bangladesh is set to bear the brunt of the consequences.

5. Venice, Italy: A City of Sinking Splendor

Venice, Italy, often hailed as one of the world's iconic sinking cities, confronts a unique set of challenges. This city, with its intricate web of canals, was built in the 5th century and has always contended with the Adriatic Sea and its acqua alta high tides. Sinking at a rate of 0.08 inches annually due to groundwater extraction, Venice's heavy buildings compress the soil. Additionally, its location on a tectonic plate means the western side rises compared to the east. Italy initiated the MOSE flood barrier in 2003, comprising 78 gates across three inlets to combat flooding. However, delays have pushed its completion to 2022. In 2018, unprecedented storms caused severe flooding, emphasizing the sinking issue's urgency.

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia: An East Coast Concern

Virginia Beach, situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is the fastest-sinking city on the East Coast of the United States. The city faces a dual threat, characterized by overzealous groundwater extraction and the resettling of land once covered by an ancient ice sheet. Sea levels in Virginia Beach are predicted to rise by as much as two feet by 2050, making it a significant concern for the region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that Virginia Beach could witness up to nearly 12 feet of sea-level rise by 2100.

7. Bangkok, Thailand: A City in Peril

Bangkok, Thailand, a bustling city of over 10 million, faces severe flooding due to its low-lying location at the Chao Phraya River delta. Traditional adaptations included canals and stilts, but urbanization transformed it into a high-rise metropolis. Sinking over 1 cm annually, mainly from compactable clay soil and excessive groundwater extraction, it may be submerged by 2030. To combat this issue, an architecture firm built an 11-acre park called Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, which can hold up to 1 million gallons of rainwater, helping prevent flooding during Thailand's rainy season.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana: A City in Perpetual Peril

New Orleans, famous for its vibrant culture and rich history, is no stranger to the threats posed by land subsidence. Certain parts of the city have been sinking at a rate of 2 inches per year and could be underwater by 2100. The city's vulnerability to subsidence stems from both human-induced and natural processes. A 2016 NASA study revealed that rates of subsidence vary across the city, with some areas experiencing sinking rates of 6 to 20 inches over the past 20 years. The city's exposure to sea-level rise and flooding is heightened by its location on a river delta. The shifting of faults and the removal of groundwater are identified as primary contributors to subsidence in New Orleans. The city's unique geographical challenges make it imperative to address the issue of sinking land.

9. Miami, Florida: A City Under Siege

Miami, in Florida, known for its sun and surf, confronts the stark reality of rapidly rising sea levels. Author Jeff Goodell predicted Miami's doubtful future by the century's end. Sea-level rise brings floods, water contamination, and infrastructure damage. South Florida's low-lying geography heightens its vulnerability. Already, the southern tip rose a foot since the 1990s. Planners brace for a two-foot increase by 2060 and a five to six-foot surge by 2100, endangering a third of the population. A mere six-inch rise could jeopardize Miami-Dade's drainage system, protecting densely populated areas.

10. New York City: A Glacial Legacy

New York City, a bustling metropolis and the most populous city in the United States, faces its unique challenges regarding sinking land. While New York City is sinking at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters per year on average, some areas experience a faster rate of subsidence, up to 4.5 millimeters per year. The primary reason behind New York's subsidence is glacial isostatic adjustment. The city's geological history, combined with its population density, makes it particularly susceptible to this phenomenon. The relative sea-level rise in New York City might be millimeters per year, but it may result in 1.3 to 1.9 feet of relative sea-level rise in 100 years, presenting a pressing concern for the city.

11.Alexandria, Egypt: A Coastal City at Risk

Alexandria, Egypt, the second-largest city in the country, is situated along the Nile Delta, an area witnessing gradual land erosion due to overpopulation and natural and anthropogenic land deformation. The city faces a multitude of challenges, including the loss of arable land, infrastructure damage, population migration, saltwater intrusion, and salinization of groundwater resources. By 2100, it is estimated that approximately 1,000 square miles of land in the Alexandria region will be inundated by seawater. This dire situation poses a threat to the lives of about 5.7 million people living in Alexandria and other communities in the northern Delta.

12. Lagos, Nigeria: A Continent's Concern

Lagos, Nigeria, Africa's largest city, faces a dual challenge of coastline erosion and rising sea levels. Global warming-induced rising seas pose a significant threat to the city's future. A 2012 study by the University of Plymouth estimated that a sea-level rise of three to nine feet would have a catastrophic impact on human activities in these regions. Predictions suggest that global sea levels are on track to rise by 6.6 feet by the end of this century, making Lagos and other coastal cities particularly vulnerable.

13. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: A Coastal Engineering Marvel

The port city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, while renowned for its coastal engineering prowess, is sinking at a rate of approximately 0.6 inches per year. Rotterdam already sits around 90% below sea level, making it particularly susceptible to rising sea levels. The Dutch have employed a range of technologies, including dams, dikes, pumps, and seawalls, to protect their cities from the encroaching sea. One contributing factor to the city's subsidence is the draining of peatlands, which contain carbon in the form of peat-forming organic matter. Draining these peat bogs can lead to subsidence rates of up to 3 inches per year. Combining this with projected sea-level rise makes the future of low-lying cities like Rotterdam uncertain. The New York Times reports that 90% of Rotterdam is below sea level, emphasizing the pressing need for innovative approaches to combat the sinking issue. The Dutch have initiated projects like "Room for the River," which involves creating water parks that double as reservoirs for rising water levels, along with enormous storm surge barriers.

Conclusion: Addressing the Crisis

In conclusion, the sinking cities phenomenon is an alarming crisis, requiring immediate and coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels. These cities, each unique in its challenges, share the common threat of rising sea levels and land subsidence. Innovative solutions, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and proactive measures are essential to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of people living in these vulnerable urban areas. The urgency of addressing the sinking cities crisis cannot be overstated. A collective commitment to resilience, adaptation, and sustainable urban planning is paramount as we navigate the challenges posed by a changing world.

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