A recent study has revealed that more than two dozen coastal cities in the US are sinking at a rate of over 2mm per year. This trend is not isolated to the US, as many 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. Madeleine Finlay interviews Prof Manoochehr Shirzaei from Virginia Tech University and Prof Robert Nicholls from the University of East Anglia to discuss the causes of city sinking and potential solutions to protect them from the encroaching sea.
Prof Shirzaei and Prof Nicholls shed light on the factors contributing to the sinking of coastal cities, such as groundwater extraction, soil compaction, and geological processes. They also discuss how urban development and infrastructure projects can impact the stability of the land on which these cities are built. Additionally, they delve into the challenges posed by rising sea levels and the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks faced by these sinking cities.
The experts explore potential solutions to address the sinking of coastal cities, including improved land use planning, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and the implementation of nature-based solutions like green infrastructure and wetland restoration. They emphasize the importance of collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities 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.