Banjul Faces Extinction: Rising Sea Levels Threaten City Life

Banjul, The Gambia faces severe threats of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels influenced by climate change. This situation has been aggravated by severe weather events and unsustainable practices, leading to significant population decline. Initiatives for ecological restoration and climate resilience are underway, but the future of the city remains precarious without concerted efforts against climate change.

A city in West Africa is on the verge of becoming an underwater ghost town due to continually rising sea levels driven by climate change. Historically low-lying areas like Banjul, The Gambia, are facing extreme threats as global temperatures rise rapidly since the industrial revolution began in the 1800s. The repercussions of climate change have already been prominently felt in Banjul, exacerbated by a severe storm in July 2022 that led to widespread flooding and affected over 50,000 residents.

Banjul’s future is grim if sea levels rise by merely one meter, as warned by minister James F.P Gomez, who asserts that the Greater Banjul area would be submerged completely. The dual impacts of climate change and aggressive sand mining have compromised the city’s natural defenses against coastal flooding. Many residents, like 60-year-old gardener Aminata Jatta, express despair over the loss of their agricultural livelihood due to environmental degradation.

The population of Banjul has been declining significantly, dropping from about 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 by 2024. Alarmingly, a study indicates that 64% of current residents plan to leave Banjul by 2050 due to persistent economic and environmental challenges. This demographic shift reflects a community in distress, seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

Nevertheless, initiatives aimed at revitalizing Banjul are underway. The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for a Climate-Resilient Banjul project designed to facilitate transformative environmental changes. Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project is actively planting thousands of trees and restoring vegetation along the coastline in efforts to bolster the city’s defenses against rising sea levels.

Banjul’s plight is part of a more extensive challenge faced by numerous cities globally, with regions in British Columbia, Canada, also at risk of flooding. To counteract climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy is crucial for communities worldwide. Individuals can also contribute by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives.

In conclusion, Banjul is facing an existential threat due to rising sea levels attributed to climate change, a situation compounded by environmental degradation and economic decline. Significant efforts funded by global initiatives aim to restore the city’s resilience against such challenges. However, the population remains on the verge of further decline as residents flee from untenable circumstances. Collective action to combat climate change will be essential for the survival of Banjul and similar communities globally.

Original Source: www.thecooldown.com