More than two dozen coastal cities in the US are sinking at a rate of over 2mm per year, according to a recent study. This trend is not limited to the US, as major cities in China, Tehran, and Jakarta are also experiencing similar issues. The sinking of these cities is further exacerbated by rising sea levels due to global warming.
To discuss the causes of city sinking and potential solutions to protect them from the encroaching sea, Madeleine Finlay interviews Prof Manoochehr Shirzaei from Virginia Tech University and Prof Robert Nicholls from the University of East Anglia. The experts shed light on the factors contributing to the sinking of coastal cities, such as groundwater extraction, soil compaction, and geological processes. They also explore how urban development and infrastructure projects can impact the stability of the land on which these cities are built.
The challenges posed by rising sea levels are also discussed by the experts. They emphasize the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks faced by these sinking cities. Potential solutions to address the sinking of coastal cities include improved land use planning, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and the implementation of nature-based solutions like green infrastructure and wetland restoration.
The experts stress that collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities is essential to develop holistic approaches to tackle the complex issues of city sinking and sea level rise. By working together, there is hope that these sinking cities can be saved from the threat of the rising sea.
