Sinking Cities Around the World

A few months ago, the government of Indonesia announced plans to relocate its capital, Jakarta. This startling action is to be taken because the city is gradually sinking into the Java Sea. However, it isn’t the only city in danger. All across the world, cities in danger of sinking have been dubbed as “Sinking Cities.”

Beijing: One such sinking city is the heart of China: Beijing. According to a 2016 study done by researchers in Beijing, certain areas of the sprawling capital are said to be sinking up to 11 centimeters a year. The reason for this disaster is Beijing’s increased depletion of its groundwater reservoir. As a home to 21.54 million citizens, a lot of water needs to be removed from underneath the city. The increase in population and additional weight from development of buildings only adds to the issue.

Bangkok: Another capital in danger is Bangkok. As a nation already labeled as one of the top 10 countries most affected by climate change, two centimeters of annual sinking is not an experience Bangkok needs. A case study by the nongovernmental organization Germanwatch shows that the capital will be in danger of severe flooding and four degree increase in temperature in the future.

Miami: Miami may soon have to raise its structures to protect itself from the rapidly rising sea levels. In an interview with Business Insider, Jeff Goodell, an environmentalist author, stated that “there’s virtually no scenario in which under which you can imagine [Miami] existing at the end of the century.” He further commented that Miami is “the poster child for a major city in big trouble.” Future floods and water contamination will cause major issues for the city, which is home to nearly 500,000 people.

Houston: Similar to Beijing, Houston has depleted most of its groundwater reservoir. According to the Houston Chronicle, parts of the county Houston is in, Harris County, have experienced a sinking of about 3 meters. This rapid sinking could leave the city more vulnerable to natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey which struck Texas in 2017.

Climate change brings a host of negative effects into our planet. Through raising awareness and taking action, a reversion and solution to these problems can be made.