Banjul Faces Threat of Submersion Due to Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels
Banjul, The Gambia, is on the brink of becoming an underwater ghost town as rising sea levels threaten its existence. Severe flooding events and environmental degradation have led to a drastic reduction in the population, with many residents planning to leave. However, there are ongoing efforts and projects aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience against climate change, offering some hope for its future.
A city in West Africa is at risk of becoming submerged as rising sea levels threaten its very existence. Since the advent of industrialism in the 1800s, human activities have accelerated climate change, leading to rapid increases in global temperatures and subsequent sea level rise. Banjul, The Gambia, is facing serious hazards due to these changes.
Notably, Banjul’s vulnerability became evident during a storm in July 2022, which caused severe flooding affecting over 50,000 individuals. Reports indicated that more than ten inches of rain fell within a mere span of twenty hours. Furthermore, projections suggest that if sea levels were to rise by just one meter, Greater Banjul would be at significant risk of submergence.
Historically a low-lying area, Banjul’s natural defenses against the sea have been compromised, exacerbated by climate change and commercial sand mining. Residents like Aminata Jatta, a 60-year-old gardener, express frustration over their diminishing agricultural prospects, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives” – Dialogue Earth.
The city’s population has steadily declined, decreasing from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024. According to research by Nfamara K. Dampha of the University of Minnesota, 64% of current residents plan to leave by 2050, indicating widespread concerns over the city’s future.
Despite such challenges, there remain glimmers of hope. The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for a Climate-Resilient Banjul project in November 2024, which aims to inspire transformative changes. Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project is actively improving coastal defenses by planting thousands of coconut trees and vegetation, enhancing the city’s resilience against sea encroachments.
Banjul is not alone in facing climate change; properties in British Columbia, Canada, are also at risk of flooding. To mitigate the effects of climate change, individuals can contribute by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy solutions.
In summary, Banjul, The Gambia, faces a precarious future due to rising sea levels, exacerbated by climate change and human activity. Severe flooding has already impacted thousands, leading to significant population loss and fears of complete submersion. However, initiatives such as the Climate-Resilient Banjul project and community efforts to restore natural barriers show promise in combating these challenges. Collective actions towards sustainability are essential in addressing climate change and protecting vulnerable cities worldwide.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
