As the clock ticks towards 2100, a chilling reality looms over our planet. Many of our beloved cities, rich in history and culture, are on the brink of vanishing beneath the waves. The culprits? Sinking land, rising sea levels, and a host of environmental challenges.
From Jakarta to Miami, cities around the globe are grappling with a dire threat – their very existence. Subsidence, sea level rise, and other environmental challenges are pushing these urban landscapes towards an uncertain future.
In an era marked by rapid urbanization and climate change, the survival of our cities hangs in the balance. The threat is not just theoretical – it’s happening right now. Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate, Venice battles frequent flooding, and Miami faces the wrath of rising sea levels. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a global crisis. As we delve into the stories of these cities, we uncover a common thread – a shared vulnerability to the relentless forces of nature and human activity.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Issue: Subsidence and sea level rise
Details: Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate due to groundwater extraction, with some areas sinking by as much as 25 centimeters per year. Combined with rising sea levels, large portions of the city could be underwater by 2050.
![Busway in Bundaran HI | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Busway_in_Bundaran_HI.jpg?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
![Busway in Bundaran HI | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Busway_in_Bundaran_HI.jpg?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
Venice, Italy
Issue: Sea level rise and subsidence
Details: Known for its canals, Venice is gradually sinking while also facing frequent flooding, exacerbated by rising sea levels. Efforts to combat this, such as the MOSE project, aim to protect the city, but long-term viability remains uncertain.
![licensed image | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![licensed image | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Bangkok, Thailand
Issue: Subsidence and flooding
Details: Bangkok is sinking at a rate of 1-2 centimeters per year, mainly due to groundwater extraction. The city also faces significant flooding risks, particularly during the monsoon season.
![licensed image 1 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-1.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![licensed image 1 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-1.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
New Orleans, USA
Issue: Subsidence and sea level rise
Details: Parts of New Orleans are sinking due to the natural compaction of delta soils and human activities. Combined with rising sea levels and hurricane risks, the city is highly vulnerable.
![licensed image 2 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-2.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![licensed image 2 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-2.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Issue: Flooding and sea level rise
Details: Dhaka is threatened by rising sea levels and frequent flooding from heavy monsoons and cyclones, affecting millions of residents.
![licensed image 4 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-4.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![licensed image 4 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-4.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Houston, USA
Issue: Subsidence and flooding
Details: Houston experiences significant subsidence due to groundwater extraction and oil drilling. Additionally, the city is prone to severe flooding from hurricanes and heavy rains.
![licensed image 5 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-5.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![licensed image 5 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/licensed-image-5.jpg?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Lagos, Nigeria
Issue: Coastal erosion and sea level rise
Details: Lagos faces severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels, putting its large population at risk. Rapid urbanization exacerbates the problem.
![image | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![image | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Alexandria, Egypt
Issue: Sea level rise and subsidence
Details: Alexandria is at risk from rising Mediterranean sea levels and land subsidence. The city’s infrastructure and ancient sites are under threat.
![image 1 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-1.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![image 1 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-1.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Miami, USA
Issue: Sea level rise and flooding
Details: Miami is highly vulnerable to sea level rise and king tides, which cause frequent flooding. Efforts are underway to raise roads and improve drainage systems, but the long-term outlook is concerning.
![image 2 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-2.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![image 2 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-2.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
Shanghai, China
Issue: Subsidence and sea level rise
Details: Shanghai is sinking due to heavy construction and groundwater extraction. Coupled with rising sea levels, the city faces significant flood risks.
![image 3 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-3.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
![image 3 | Neo Science Hub](https://i0.wp.com/neosciencehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-3.png?resize=675%2C390&ssl=1)
These cities represent a range of geographic locations and challenges, but they all share a common vulnerability to the effects of climate change and human activities that are causing the land to sink or sea levels to rise. Efforts to mitigate these risks vary, but significant challenges remain in ensuring their long-term survival.
– Raja Aditya