One of the most alarming global concerns in today’s world is CLIMATE CHANGE. Many human-driven and natural factors are leading to tremendous changes in climate, including melting of glaciers, rising of sea levels, tidal floods, storms and whatnot. Shockingly, experts fear that some of the most gorgeous cities and natural wonders might be completely sunk and depleted in the next three to four decades. According to a U.S. News report, Costas Christ, Chairman of the National Geographic World Legacy Awards, has said, “We have a window of 10 or 20 years at most before we set in motion the temperatures that we can’t turn back.” Here are 6 cities that’ are sinking at a very fast rate and if you’re a travel buff, you need to visit them before they are gone.
1. Jakarta, Indonesia
A 2018 BBC report had stated that Indonesia’s Jakarta is the fastest sinking city. The report stated that North Jakarta had already sunk by 2.5m in 10 years and was continuing to sink by 25cm a year in some places. The average sinking rate of Jakarta is around 1 to 15 cm in a year. Nearly 50 percent of the city has gone below the sea level. Meanwhile, did you know about the blue volcano, Kawah Ijen Volcano of Indonesia?
2. Miami Beach, Florida
One of the most ravishing beach destinations in the world, Miami, is at the risk of sinking. Miami is only around 3 feet above the sea level. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea levels can cross 3 feet at the turn of a century. Some other studies say that diurnal flooding can increase the height of sea levels to around 6 feet. Being a coastal belt, places in Florida like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and more have chances of sinking at a fast rate.
3. Venice, Italy
The ‘Queen of the Adriatic’ Venice in Italy, is also sinking at 1 to 2 mm per year, according to a 2018 Venezialines report. The report stated that if the sinking continues at this rate, around 80 mm of the city will be under sea level in the next 20 years. The city with 120 islands predominantly sits on the water and faces challenges of turbulent winds and high tides. So, if you want to have a gondola ride experience in Venice, do not delay much in planning your trip.
Also Read: From Floating City To Drowning City: Venice Flooded With Highest Tide In 50 Years
4. Mexico City
In Mexico City, groundwater is pumped out from aquifers by a large number of people and this is paving the way for land subsidence. Since the end of the 19th century, Mexico City has sunk by around 30 feet. Cracks have appeared in the clay below the city. Reportedly, prominent buildings like the Palace of Fine Arts are already sinking.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 50 percent of the city on the Mississippi River is already below sea level, and if estimates are to be believed, around three quarters of it can fall beneath the sea level by 2050. A study conducted by NASA and the California Institute of Technology using NASA airborne radar has revealed that parts of New Orleans are dropping by up to 2 inches annually. So, the scintillating night-life, the live music, the cuisines and the winter carnival Mardi Gras have to be experienced at the soonest.
Also Read: World’s Tallest Peak Mount Everest Grows Taller By 86cm After It Was Remeasured
6. Lagos, Nigeria
While speaking about Miami, we’ve revealed that sea levels can cross 3 feet at the turn of a century. We also said that the height can go up to 6 feet due to daily flooding. As per studies, a rise in the sea level by 3 to 9 feet can have drastic effects in Lagos, one of the highly populated cities of Africa.
