Banjul Faces Dire Threats from Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change

Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels driven by climate change. A severe storm in 2022 already displaced thousands, and predictions indicate a significant population decline. Recent initiatives aim to bolster the city’s defenses against flooding, yet many residents are compelled to leave in search of safety.

A city in West Africa, Banjul, faces the alarming possibility of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. The phenomenon, linked to industrial activities since the 1800s, has resulted in rapidly increasing global temperatures and severe weather patterns. Notably, a torrential storm in July 2022 brought over 10 inches of rain within 20 hours, impacting over 50,000 residents through devastating flash floods.

The ramifications of rising sea levels are particularly dire for Banjul, as government officials warn that a mere one-meter rise could submerge the city entirely. Banjul’s historically low-lying geography, combined with destructive commercial sand mining practices, has weakened its natural defenses against the encroaching sea. Residents are expressing their frustration over these changes; for instance, Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, lamented, “The sand mining has devastated our lives. I depend on this [work] for survival, but that survival is being destroyed, and nothing is being done about it.”

The ongoing challenges due to climate change have prompted many Banjul residents to leave the city. Since its population reached approximately 45,000 in 1983, the number has dwindled to an estimated 26,000 by 2024. Furthermore, research indicates that nearly 64% of the current population plans to leave by 2050, reflecting the desperation felt by many.

Fortunately, initiatives are underway to address the situation. Recent funding of $12 million from the Global Environment Facility aims to enhance climate resilience in Banjul. Additionally, the EU-supported City-link Ostend Banjul project is engaging in oceanfront restoration by planting thousands of coconut trees and other vegetation to shore up Banjul’s defenses against rising tides.

Banjul’s plight is not isolated, as cities worldwide are grappling with climate threats. Areas in British Columbia, Canada, also face imminent flood risks. Individual actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources are crucial steps that can collectively lead to significant improvements in combating climate change and safeguarding vulnerable regions worldwide.

In conclusion, Banjul, The Gambia, is confronting severe threats from rising sea levels attributed to climate change, with potential ramifications of becoming submerged. The ongoing migration trend and the impacts of natural disasters underscore the urgency for effective intervention measures. While recent funding and projects offer a glimmer of hope for revitalization and adaptation, broader efforts to mitigate climate change are essential to protect not just Banjul, but cities globally.

Original Source: www.thecooldown.com