Some are economic hubs and located on or near the coast, so the climate crisis could affect the economy of cities unless we act now to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Global mean sea level rose at an estimated rate of 1.6 to 1.9 millimeters per year in the 20th century, largely due to anthropogenic climate change. In addition to sea level rise, all those living in coastal areas may be at risk of flooding from storm surges and high tides. Additionally, climate projections suggest that storm intensity will increase, with more damaging wind speeds, larger storm surges, and more extreme rainfall rates than storms we have experienced in the past.
More than 226 million people are in danger
Some cities are building walls to prevent the land from flooding, while others are proposing alternative solutions. But, what are the forecasts regarding these cities?
Climate Central, an independent organization that works on climate change and its consequences, has created an interactive map called Coastal Risk Screening Tool where we can check the areas of the planet that are at risk of being submerged.
If we take into account a more or less conservative rise in the water level, 1.5 meters (despite the fact that there are models that predict up to 2.5 meters as we approach the year 2100), the possible scenario shows us 36 cities , quite touristy, which will be affected by the rise in sea level, being totally or partially submerged.
The 36 cities affected
- Tokyo, Japan
- Mumbai, India
- New York, USA
- Osaka, Japan
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Kolkata, India
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- London, United Kingdom
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- San Francisco, United States
- Miami, United States
- Alexandria, Egypt
- Sydney, Australia
- Boston, United States
- Lisbon Portugal
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- vancouver, canada
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- New Orleans, United States
- Dunlin, Ireland
- Honolulu, United States
- amsterdam, netherlands
- Cancun, Mexico
- Venice Italy
- Charleston, United States
- Macau, China
- Male, Maldives
- Long Beach, United States
- Savannah, United States
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Key West, United States
- Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands
The Tower of London, the 9/11 Memorial, St. Mark’s Square in Venice, The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, Amsterdam Central Station and the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China, will all disappear under water, according to the report.
Examples like New York City are quite striking. In recent times, floods have multiplied in the famous American city. New York is nearly 10 meters (9.7 meters) above the waterline and therefore at risk from rising sea levels. Among other things, the iconic Statue of Liberty could be one of those affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.
In the Maldives, more than 90 islands already experience flooding each year and it is projected that 80% or more of their islands will be lost in the next three decades.
The famous Easter Island and its iconic Moai statues in Polynesia are also at serious risk from rising sea levels and rainfall, according to UNESCO. The waves are getting closer and closer to the nearly 900 monumental statues.
The continuing effects of climate change must be taken seriously, once and for all, before it is too late. According to NASA and climate experts, it’s not too late to minimize or avoid many of the damaging effects of climate change.
Referencia: Thomas Knutson, Suzana J. Camargo et al. Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change Assessment: Part II: Projected Response to Anthropogenic Warming AMS JOURNALS 2020 DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0194.1
NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL)
William R. L. Anderegg et al. Anthropogenic climate change is worsening North American pollen seasons February 8, 2021 | 118 (7) e2013284118 | https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2013284118
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – 2021 Report
