According to a study released by Climate Central and published through the Nature Communications journal, major cities in the National Capital Region of the Philippines could likely be submerged as coastal flooding is seen to become extensive worldwide by 2050 due to climate change.
Philippine cities threatened by coastal flooding
Based on a screening tool provided by Climate Central, Metro Manila cities such as Manila, Navotas, Malabon, and Pasay are likely to be affected by coastal flooding. In Central Luzon, Bulacan is threatened to be underwater by 2050. In the Visayas, some areas such as Kalibo, Aklan, and Roxas City in Capiz may also be submerged because of coastal flooding. And in Mindanao, Cotabato City, along with Datu Piang and Northern Kabuntan in Maguindanao, are at risk as well.
The rising sea levels place Asian countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, China, Japan, and Vietnam in danger.
The new research shows that some 150 million people are now living on land that will be below the high-tide line by midcentury. Southern Vietnam could all but disappear and more than 20 million people in Vietnam, almost one-quarter of the population, live on land that will be inundated. In Shanghai, one of Asia’s most important economic engines, water threatens to consume the heart of the city and many other cities around it.
The threat of rising sea levels is a global issue that requires immediate action from governments and individuals alike. It is important for everyone to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint and supporting efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Preventing Cities from Being Submerged by Water
As sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, many cities around the world are at risk of being submerged by water. This poses a major threat to large coastal cities and their inhabitants. However, there are several ways to prevent this from happening.
One way is through sustainable water management. Growing populations living better lives in rapidly expanding cities require great amounts of water for domestic and industrial use. Implementing sustainable practices in water management can help ensure that cities have access to the water they need without depleting natural resources or causing land subsidence.
Another way is through engineering projects to keep water out and nature-based defences like conserving mangrove forests and salt marshes. These measures can help protect cities from rising sea levels and prevent flooding. Moving households and businesses to safer ground is also an option.
It is important for governments and individuals alike to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce their carbon footprint. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices in urban planning and development.
Preventing cities from being submerged by water requires a combination of sustainable water management, engineering projects, nature-based defences, and individual action. By working together, we can protect our cities and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Here is the research study for the above – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12808-z
Kulp, S. A., & Strauss, B. H. (2019). New elevation data triple estimates of global vulnerability to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Nature Communications, 10(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12808-z
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