Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming submerged due to rising sea levels linked to climate change since the 1800s. Severe flooding has already impacted thousands of residents, prompting many to consider leaving the city. Efforts are underway to improve resilience through environmental projects funded partly by international support.
West Africa faces a dire threat as cities like Banjul, The Gambia, are on the brink of becoming underwater ghost towns due to rising sea levels. Since the onset of industrialism in the 1800s, human activities have accelerated climate change, leading to rapid increases in global temperatures and rising seas. Consequently, Banjul’s future is at risk, as evidenced by the devastating flash floods in July 2022 that affected over 50,000 residents after more than 10 inches of rain fell in just 20 hours.
Rising sea levels pose a critical threat to Banjul, with James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, warning that a mere meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul entirely. The city’s low-lying geography, compounded by the impact of commercial sand mining, has compromised its natural defenses against the sea. Many residents, like gardener Aminata Jatta, express despair over the destruction of their livelihoods. “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” she lamented, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The population of Banjul has been in decline as economic opportunities diminish in the wake of climate change. Once home to around 45,000 people in 1983, the city’s population is estimated to drop to 26,000 by 2024. Various studies indicate that 64% of remaining residents intend to leave by 2050, driven by the threat of rising waters and economic instability.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of climate change in Banjul. In November 2024, The Gambia secured $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for the Climate-Resilient Banjul project, aimed at transformative environmental change. Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project promotes sustainability by planting thousands of trees along the coastline, helping to restore Banjul’s natural defenses against sea encroachment.
Banjul’s situation reflects a broader trend of climate change impacts faced by global cities, including those in places like British Columbia, Canada, which are also at heightened risk of flooding. Combating climate change involves reducing fossil fuel dependence and embracing renewable energy sources, which are crucial for both local and global environmental stability.
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Banjul is facing existential threats from rising sea levels driven by climate change, exacerbated by human activities such as sand mining. While the city’s population dwindles and many residents plan to relocate, initiatives are being established to restore Banjul’s natural defenses and promote sustainability. The successful implementation of projects funded by international aid highlights a pathway for resilience against climate impacts, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing global climate challenges.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
