Rising Seas Threaten Historic Alexandria: A Call to Action

Rising sea levels in Alexandria, Egypt, are causing the collapse of numerous historic buildings. A study highlights that this increase in collapses is due to weakened soil and foundations as climate change intensifies. Researchers advocate for protective measures, noting over 7,000 buildings are at risk. The situation signifies a pressing climate change reality affecting historic coastal cities.

Rising seas along the Egyptian coast are leading to the collapse of numerous buildings in Alexandria, a historic port city. Sara Fouad, from the Technical University of Munich, stated that the city’s structures, which have historically withstood various natural events, are now suffering due to climate change. She emphasized, “Now, rising seas and intensifying storms… are undoing in decades what took millennia of human ingenuity to create.”

Fouad is the lead author of a study examining the tenfold increase in building collapses in Alexandria over the past two decades. This research utilized satellite imagery and historical maps to assess the retreat of the shoreline and pinpoint where rising seas have affected groundwater intrusion. The scientists also examined which buildings had fallen and analyzed soil conditions.

The study published in Earth’s Future indicates that collapsing buildings are primarily due to a rising water table, leading to weakened soil and compromised foundations. The authors advocate for measures such as constructing sand dunes and planting trees along the coastline to mitigate the effects of encroaching seawater, highlighting that over 7,000 buildings are currently at risk.

Since 2001, Alexandria has witnessed the collapse of 290 buildings. Essam Heggy, a coauthor from the University of Southern California, remarked, “The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm.” He noted that what were once perceived as distant climate threats have become immediate realities.

The article outlines the dire impacts of rising sea levels on Alexandria, Egypt, leading to significant structural collapses in the city. Vital research indicates the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, as historic buildings succumb to nature’s forces. This situation underscores the importance of addressing climate change to protect vulnerable coastal cities before they vanish completely.

Original Source: e360.yale.edu