15 Coastal Cities at Risk of Submersion by 2030
The article highlights the severe consequences of rising sea levels on 15 coastal cities worldwide
Published in
6 min readAug 6, 2023
Unfortunately, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, and one of the most alarming outcomes is the rising sea levels that pose a grave threat to coastal cities worldwide. As we examine the precarious fate of 15 such cities, it becomes evident that immediate action is imperative to combat climate change and safeguard these vulnerable regions from potential submersion.
By relying on meticulously curated maps based on data from the IPCC’s 2021 report, we gain valuable insights into the possible outcomes if we fail to address the environmental challenges we face today.
1. Miami, USA
Miami, known for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culture, is already feeling the impacts of rising sea levels. With its low elevation and susceptibility to powerful storms, the city could find itself submerged by 2030.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok, adorned with its majestic temples and vibrant street life, is sinking at an alarming pace due to its soft clay soil. With an annual sinking rate of 2 to 3 centimeters, Bangkok’s coastal areas could be submerged within the next decade.
3 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and rich history are under siege from rising sea levels. Despite the Dutch mastery of flood prevention techniques, the city’s continuous sinking and the intensifying impact of climate change pose a formidable threat.
4. Basra, Iraq
Basra, a vital port city in Iraq, faces the dual challenges of natural subsidence and rising sea levels. Already prone to flooding, Basra could find itself partially or completely submerged in the near future.
5. Georgetown, Guyana
The charming capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, ranks among the top nine coastal areas at risk of drowning by 2030. Urgent and long-term solutions are essential to safeguard the city’s low-lying terrain from the imminent danger of rising seas.
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Nestled in the fertile Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City faces the wrath of both flooding and tropical storms. While the city center might stave off submersion for a while, the eastern districts face a serious risk of inundation before 2030.7. Kolkata, India
Kolkata, the cultural heart of West Bengal, is grappling with rapid subsidence. Its impoverished population faces an impending disaster with potential flooding and sea level rise, threatening vast expanses of the city by 2030.8. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans, with its vibrant jazz culture and captivating heritage, finds itself sinking at an alarming rate. Parts of the city already lie below sea level, perpetually threatened by catastrophic floods. Without swift action, New Orleans could be submerged entirely by the century’s end.9. Venice, Italy
Venice, a romantic and enchanting city of canals and bridges, is struggling to stay afloat. Faced with rising sea levels and recurrent high tides, Venice confronts the very real prospect of becoming a submerged city sooner than anticipated.10. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, one of Africa’s largest and most populous cities, is not immune to climate change impacts. Its low elevation and densely populated coastal regions expose the city to the risk of devastating flooding in the coming decades.11. Tokyo, Japan
The bustling metropolis of Tokyo faces a real threat from sea level rise, given its location on Tokyo Bay. Unless effective measures are implemented, substantial parts of the city could succumb to inundation, causing widespread damage and displacements.
12. Manila, Philippines
The bustling coastal city of Manila is grappling with rapid urbanization and sea level rise. With millions of residents living in low-lying areas, the city faces the grim reality of severe flooding and substantial economic losses in the near future.
13. Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria, a historic city on the Mediterranean coast, teeters on the brink of disappearing beneath rising sea levels. The city’s iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage are at stake unless swift action is taken to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
14. Shanghai, China
Shanghai, a thriving global financial hub, faces a double threat of sinking land and rising sea levels. With its extensive coastline and densely populated areas, the city’s future hangs in uncertainty without immediate and decisive action.
15. Sydney, Australia
Sydney, the dazzling capital of New South Wales, is not exempt from the ravages of climate change. Rising sea levels and heightened storm surges could trigger extensive coastal erosion and flooding, endangering iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.
