As more and more cities host high-level climate summits in an attempt to respond to the looming specter of global climate change, it is important for leaders to understand what the potential impacts of sea level rise could look like in their own backyard. Already, cities across the world are facing inundation as the sea continues to rise. In this article, we take a look at the potential impacts of sea level rise in cities that have hosted climate summits and how this could affect the safety, ecology, and infrastructure of the surrounding areas.
The impacts of sea level rise will be felt throughout the world, but the effects of this phenomenon are projected to be especially severe for cities that lie in coastal regions. Already, many such cities – including Miami, Paris, and Osaka – have experienced the consequences of floods due to high tides and storm surges. In the coming decades, sea level rise will become an even more dire threat as the intensity and frequency of such events increases. In some cases, entire neighborhoods could be submerged, with iconic landmarks disappearing as the waters rise.
In order to prepare for the worse, cities that have hosted climate summits have started to implement measures aimed at defending their populations from the ravages of sea level rise. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, an expansive flood wall has been built around some of the most populated and vulnerable areas. In Osaka, a seawall has been constructed to prevent the Osaka Bay from being flooded in the event of a storm surge. Such initiatives are essential for protecting the inhabitants of these cities from the devastating impact of sea level rise.
Another consequence of sea level rise could be historical and archaeological sites being lost to the sea. A study conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography in India, for example, suggests that more than 3500 historical and archaeological sites would be at risk due to rising sea levels. Such sites could range from ancient shrimp fishing villages to awe-inspiring monuments such as the Taj Mahal.
Just as important is the impact rising sea levels would have on the environment of cities that have hosted climate summits. Estuaries, coral reefs, wetlands, and marshes are all likely to be submerged by the waters of sea level rise, leading to widespread habitat destruction for coastal wildlife. This will likely render these ecosystems unable to function in their current form, potentially forever changing the ecology of these regions.
It is clear from this evidence that sea level rise poses a major threat to cities that have hosted past climate summits. From endangered historical and archaeological sites, to the destruction of vital ecosystems, to the growing threat posed to urban populations, the issue of sea level rise should be taken seriously by all decision makers. Fortunately, many such cities have already implemented measures to protect their citizens against the ravages of rising sea levels. But with the specter of sea level rise continuing to loom, the need for further action is clear.