Disappearing cities: Flooding raises alarm levels

Climate change and rising sea levels threaten coastal cities around the world. Some of them are already feeling the effects, while others will be underwater in the coming decades.

An image of London's St Paul's Cathedral towering over the city's flooded harbour.


Cities that go under water:

Vice (Italy): This historic city already suffers from regular flooding.

Jakarta (Indonesia): Indonesia's capital is rapidly sinking due to excessive groundwater pumping.

Mumbai (India): This metropolis with a population of more than 20 million people could be under water by 2100.

Miami (USA): This popular tourist city is already feeling the effects of rising sea levels.

Affected countries:

Netherlands: This country has been fighting the sea for centuries.

Bangladesh: This low-lying landlocked country could lose much of its territory.

China: Many coastal cities in China are at risk of flooding.

Human intervention:

Burning fossil fuels: This leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which in turn cause global warming.

Deforestation: Forests absorb carbon dioxide, so their destruction increases the greenhouse effect.

Concrete jungle: Cities with hard surfaces do not absorb water, exacerbating the runoff problem.

The opinion of scientists:

Scientists say that the flooding of coastal cities is a serious problem that needs immediate and decisive action.

Comments