Earth is undoubtedly experiencing the effects of climate change throughout it. While there’s no city that’s more adept at delaying the onset of global warming, there are vulnerable cities that are prone to experiencing the devastating aftermath of this phenomenon.
With the constantly rising sea levels at low-lying cities and coastal areas one should expect more floods in the future. Not only will this become the new normal, but it can also destroy existing infrastructure, result in casualties, and even make whole cities disappear.
If you are wondering about the cities that may disappear due to climate change, below are ten of the most vulnerable locations today. Read on to learn more about these vulnerable cities.
Alexandria, Egypt
Home to Bibliotheca, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Insider reports that Alexandria has been experiencing a consistent loss of its beaches due to the rising sea levels. This phenomenon has been happening for more than 20 years.
Bangkok, Thailand
Another city that could very well disappear underwater by 2030 is Bangkok, Thailand. Despite its bustling metropolitan train system, the country’s developments could go under sea level come 2030. It continues to sink by more than 1 centimeter per year. To help offset the devasting flooding year after year, the government of Thailand has built a park that reportedly holds one million gallons of rainwater.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
One of the most vulnerable cities not just in South Asia, but the rest of the world, is Dhaka, Bangladesh. With its low elevation and numerous tropical storms, this is one of the most likely to fall with global warming.
The aftermath that will be experienced by the city has little to do with its own actions. In fact, a report by the New York Times states that Bangladesh has contributed just 0.3 of emissions, but it will continue to suffer from the actions of others.
Houston, Texas
Though not a coastal city, the low level of elevation matched with the sinking terrain of the land could make Houston, Texas go underwater in the future. The city goes under at least two inches per year thanks to the groundwater pumping in the area.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Another casualty of groundwater pumping is Jakarta, Indonesia. Compared to Houston’s two inches, this Southeast Asian city experiences a sinking level of 6.7 inches per year. With the city possibly being underwater come 2050, the government has made plans to move to the island of Java.
Lagos, Nigeria
A coastal area in Nigeria, Lagos could be totally wiped out by 2050 due to flooding and the rising sea levels. According to The Guardian Nigeria, the city has already experienced an increased number of vector-borne diseases as well as the destruction of its drainage infrastructure.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but its location makes it susceptible to the effects of climate change, particularly the rising sea levels. A number of key locations within the state are already 15 feet deep underwater and the state is still losing a football field’s worth of land every 1.5 hours.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The city of Rotterdam is now 90% submerged below sea level. This makes the city susceptible to more flooding. However, the Dutch have taken to creating natural flood plans and rebuilding its mangrove areas to help serve as buffers against rivers and seas.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Among the faster rates of sea-level rise, not just on the East Coast of the United States, but also of the world, is Virginia Beach. This is because of the combined rising water levels and the sinking land. By 2100, the city is expected to come under 12 feet of water.
Venice, Italy
Each year, the beautiful city of Venice continues to sink by 0.08 inches. The flood barrier that started its construction in 2003, otherwise known as Mose, is slated to achieve completion by 2022.
The Bottom Line
These effects of global warming offer us a glimpse of what the world might look like in the future. To avoid a dystopian future, like ones in the movies, and prevent vulnerable cities from disappearing, make sure to take the necessary steps to take care of the environment.
