Sinking cities and rising seas: A global crisis in the making

According to the World Economic Forum, some of the world’s most iconic cities face an existential threat as sinking land and rising sea levels converge, putting millions of people and critical infrastructure at risk.

Coastal subsidence, exacerbated by over-extraction of groundwater, rapid urbanization, and climate change, has already forced governments to take drastic measures to protect their populations.

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is sinking at an alarming rate of up to 6.7 inches per year, one of the fastest rates in the world. Studies suggest that much of the city could be underwater by 2050 if current trends continue. The government has responded with an ambitious and costly solution: relocating the capital. The $33 billion project, which aims to move the political and administrative hub to the island of Borneo, is expected to take around 10 years.

However, questions remain about how effectively this move will address the underlying environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with mass displacement.

In the United States, cities such as Houston and New Orleans are experiencing land subsidence at a rate of around 2 inches per year. This process, combined with intensifying hurricanes and storm surges, increases their vulnerability to catastrophic flooding. New Orleans, already below sea level, relies on extensive levee systems to prevent disastrous inundation.

Meanwhile, Miami has become the "poster child" for rising sea levels, facing more frequent tidal floods and saltwater contamination of drinking water supplies. Without intervention, these coastal cities may experience irreversible damage, displacing large populations and disrupting local economies.

Beyond the U.S. and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh faces one of the most severe threats from rising seas. With 17% of the country’s land at risk of submersion, an estimated 18 million people could be displaced by mid-century. Coastal erosion, intensified monsoons, and worsening cyclones add to the urgency of developing long-term solutions to prevent widespread humanitarian crises.

Countries known for their history of water management are implementing innovative solutions to combat the crisis. The Netherlands, famous for its engineering feats in flood control, is investing heavily in storm surge barriers, floating infrastructure, and multi-purpose water parks designed to absorb excess water. Bangkok, another vulnerable coastal city, has developed an 11-acre flood-resistant park that can store up to a million gallons of rainwater, serving as a model for urban resilience.

Despite these efforts, the global outlook remains concerning. Climate scientists project that sea levels could rise by as much as 6.6 feet by 2100, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. To mitigate these risks, urban planning, infrastructure investments, and policy interventions must be prioritised.

Without urgent and coordinated action, many of the world’s major coastal cities could face irreversible damage, leading to economic turmoil and mass displacement.

As nations grapple with the reality of sinking land and rising seas, governments, scientists, and urban planners must accelerate efforts to implement sustainable and adaptive solutions. The choices made today will determine the fate of these cities and their ability to withstand the future climate challenges.