What's Happening?
A study conducted by McGill University, published in the journal npj Urban Sustainability, has highlighted the potential impact of sea level rise on buildings across the Global South. The research, described as the first large-scale, building-by-building assessment, indicates that over 100 million buildings could be inundated by floodwaters if heat-trapping pollution is not reduced. The study focused on regions in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where many structures are densely packed in low-lying areas. Even a modest sea level rise of 0.5 meters could flood 3 million buildings, including homes, infrastructure, industrial sites, and cultural landmarks. The study warns that a rise of 5 meters could put over 100 million buildings at risk within a few hundred years if emissions continue unabated.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the study underscore the global implications of sea level rise, which could disrupt essential infrastructure and affect the interconnected economy and food systems worldwide. Marginalized communities are expected to face disproportionate impacts, losing safety, reliability, homes, livelihoods, and natural resources due to intensifying floods. The study emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies and a transition to clean energy sources to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels. Reducing reliance on oil, coal, and gas is crucial to curbing the heat-trapping pollution that drives glacier and ice sheet melting, contributing to sea level rise.
What's Next?
Governments, engineers, and architects are exploring various adaptation strategies, such as inland migration, living shorelines, and floating buildings, to improve living conditions along vulnerable coastlines. The study suggests that reducing global reliance on dirty energy sources is the most effective way to curb destructive flooding. International coalitions, individual governments, and citizens are encouraged to take action at every level to transition to clean energy. Community-level efforts, such as powering homes with wind and solar power, shifting to electric vehicles, and using public transit, can contribute to mitigating the impact of sea level rise.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the ethical and social dimensions of sea level rise, particularly its impact on marginalized communities. It calls for a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by climate change and emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in transitioning to clean energy. The long-term consequences of sea level rise could reshape coastal populations and economies, necessitating innovative solutions and proactive measures to protect vulnerable regions.
