The world is sinking: cities across the planet are slipping under water "at an alarming rate" — study
The world is sinking: cities across the planet are slipping under water "at an alarming rate" — study
Large coastal cities with a population of more than 75 million people are gradually sinking into the water. From Jakarta and Shanghai to Lagos, in cities in Asia, Africa, Europe and America, residents are forced to reinforce homes with layers of concrete and deal with regular floods, which are becoming more frequent.
The main reason is uncontrolled pumping of groundwater, which accelerates soil subsidence. This creates a "double whammy" effect: the soil sinks and the sea level rises. A study by the Singapore University of Technology found that in 48 megacities, more than 2,200 square kilometers of territory are under threat, which annually subsides by at least 1 cm.
Dams and pumping stations are being built in some cities, while parks and rainwater sponges are being built in others. Experts warn that until restrictions on groundwater pumping are introduced, the situation will only worsen.
