Rising Sea Levels Put 36 Cities at Risk of Submerging Underwater, Affecting 226 Million People

Many coastal regions are facing risks of coastal flooding as a result of rising sea levels. Some cities are putting up walls in an effort to protect land from flooding while others are looking for more creative alternatives. 

An independent organization called Climate Central created a Coastal Risk Screening Tool that reveals the region likely to be submerged. By selecting "water level," one can discover which locations are at risk of being submerged by as much as 30 feet of water if sea levels continue to rise.

(Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Cities Likely to Experience Flood  

According to Interesting Engineering, rising sea levels may affect more than 226 million people in 36 cities, according to a study published in The Swiftest. Their visual revealed the 36 greatest cities at risk of flooding if sea levels rise by 5 feet.

Many major cities throughout the world, including Amsterdam, New York City, Bangkok, and Venice, appear to be at risk in this scenario. These cities' historic landmarks are likewise at jeopardy. Let take a peek at some of these;

•  Venice - St. Mark's Basilica 

Venice's well known St. Mark's Basilica has been repeatedly inundated in recent years. An increase in sea level would have a devastating effect on Venice's geography. The city is only 3.2 feet above the water's surface and has been sinking for several millennia. 120 cm of sea level rise is projected by the end of this century, which is 50% greater than the average projection for sea level rise around the world by 2100, as per The Swiftest. 

Also Read: Mid-Atlantic Cities to Experience Another Round of Coastal Flooding

• Florida - Miami Beach

Miami is also a city with a low elevation above sea level. It's just 7 feet above the surface of the ocean. Years of severe flooding have plagued Miami Beach, a famous vacation attraction. Installing pumps and elevating roads are among the solutions that are being implemented. Florida is also investing $4 billion to avert more damage, but the city faces a race against time given the fast increasing sea level.

•  New York City - Statue of Liberty 

Last year, New York City saw its first flash flood emergency as a result of an increasing number of floods. In addition, the city's 32-foot elevation above sea level puts it at risk from rising ocean levels. Between 7 and 29 inches will be added to the height of the oceans by the year 2050.

East Side Coastal Resiliency Project is New York City's way of protecting its inhabitants from future extreme weather events. In addition, rising sea levels and other extreme weather conditions pose a significant threat to the Statue of Liberty.

(Photo : KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

How Can Sea-level Rise be Reduced?

Preventative trials have already taken place in a number of countries. A sea wall is currently being built in Jakarta, Indonesia's sinking capital. Another idea to defend the shorelines of New York City from storm surges and rising sea levels is the Hudson River Storm Surge Barriers. 

When it comes to fighting Mother Nature, these approaches may not be up to the task. There is no doubt, however, that considerable engineering and technology will be required.

Related Article: Risk of Coastal Flooding on Low-Cost Housing Triples by 2050

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