Rising Sea Levels Threaten Banjul’s Future as Residents Face Despair

Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels from climate change. A recent storm highlighted the severity of flooding affecting over 50,000 residents. Currently, the city has experienced a sharp population decline, and many residents plan to leave. However, there are initiatives to restore the environment and combat these challenges. Collaborative efforts are essential for protection.

A city in West Africa is on the brink of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. Since the industrial revolution in the 1800s, global temperatures have increased rapidly, resulting in significant sea level rise that threatens cities like Banjul, The Gambia. Recent flooding, triggered by a torrential storm in July 2022, affected over 50,000 residents, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Gambia’s Fisheries Minister, James F.P. Gomez, warns that a mere one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul entirely. Banjul’s low-lying geography, combined with the damages caused by commercial sand mining, has compromised its natural coastal defenses. As a result, many residents, like gardener Aminata Jatta, express despair over the destruction of their livelihoods, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives.”

Current conditions have driven many Banjul residents to abandon their homes. The city’s population has declined from about 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024. A study by researcher Nfamara K. Dampha indicates that 64% of residents plan to leave Banjul by 2050, reflecting a growing trend of migration due to climate-induced challenges.

Despite the bleak circumstances, there are attempts to revive Banjul. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million for a Climate-Resilient Banjul project aimed at initiating transformative changes. Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project has made strides in coastal restoration by planting thousands of coconut trees, enhancing Banjul’s natural defenses against rising sea levels.

Banjul is not alone in facing the challenges of climate change; cities worldwide, including those in Canada, are also threatened by potential flooding. However, reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting renewable energy sources are vital steps anyone can take to help combat climate change effectively.

The situation in Banjul exemplifies the urgent threat posed by climate change, particularly through rising sea levels. With significant flooding affecting thousands and a declining population, immediate action is necessary. While restoration initiatives show promise, collaborative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices are essential to safeguard the future of vulnerable cities. As more communities face similar threats, global awareness and individual responsibility can contribute to combating climate change and protecting coastal cities.

Original Source: www.thecooldown.com