New York and other major cities that are sinking

New research suggests that New York City is sinking due to its massive concrete buildings. Some areas are even sinking twice as fast as the rising sea levels.

What’s happening to New York?

• New York City, famously called the Big Apple, is facing a sinking problem.
• Research by the University of Rhode Island and the US Geological Survey indicates that the city is sinking at a rate of 1-2 mm per year.
• Some areas of the city are sinking at a faster pace than others.
• The weight of the city’s buildings, totaling approximately 1.68 trillion pounds, contributes to the sinking.
• Lower Manhattan, situated only a few meters above sea level, is particularly at risk.
• Rising sea levels, up by 9 inches since 1950, worsen the situation for the city.

What does this mean for the future of New York?

• Researchers emphasize that immediate panic is unwarranted regarding the sinking of New York City, but the city administration should prepare for the increased risk of flooding.
• Flooding poses risks beyond loss of life, including infrastructure damage due to saltwater corrosion and weakened concrete.
• While building in the city wasn’t a mistake, each new construction contributes to the city sinking further.
• In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused significant flooding in various areas of the city, resulting in multiple drownings. Major flooding is projected to occur four times more frequently by the end of the century.
• New York City is not alone in facing such challenges; numerous cities worldwide are also confronting a looming doomsday scenario, albeit seemingly distant.

These are the world’s fasted sinking cities:

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, holds the title of the world’s fastest sinking city.Over the past decade, the northern part of the city has sunk by 2.5 meters, with nearly 50% of the city now below sea level.To address this alarming situation, the Indonesian government has begun constructing a new capital called Nusantara in a different location.

Lagos, Nigeria

Africa’s largest coastal city is experiencing rapid erosion, and a 2012 study from the University of Plymouth warns that a sea level rise of 3-9 feet would have catastrophic consequences.

Houston, Texas, USA

Houston, a city in the US, is sinking due to excessive groundwater pumping, with some areas experiencing a subsidence rate of 2 inches per year.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is sinking at a rate of 2 cm per year, and certain areas are sinking even faster due to aquifer systems and the weight of buildings.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is sinking at a rate of 5 cm per year, with the sinking process beginning as early as 1990.

Mumbai, India

South Mumbai is at risk of being submerged in the Arabian Sea by 2050 due to global warming and other factors.

In conclusion, numerous coastal cities worldwide are facing the threat of rising sea levels and dense infrastructure. While witnessing cities disappearing underwater may not happen within our lifetime, the lives of residents are certain to become increasingly challenging and unfavorable as a consequence.