Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. A July 2022 storm exemplified the city’s vulnerability, affecting over 50,000 residents. Strategic projects are underway to enhance coastal defenses and restore the natural environment, but substantial population outflows indicate severe local distress and future challenges.
A West African city faces the risk of becoming an underwater ghost town as rising sea levels threaten its future. Climate change, exacerbated by human activities since industrialization began in the 1800s, has led to unprecedented global temperature increases and sea level rises. Banjul, The Gambia, a historically low-lying city, is at significant risk, with the potential for complete submersion if sea levels rise by just one meter.
In July 2022, a severe storm overwhelmed Banjul, causing flash floods that directly affected over 50,000 residents, with reports of over 10 inches of rain in just 20 hours. This incident highlighted the urgent need for action against flooding and sea level rise. James F.P. Gomez, Gambia’s minister, emphasized the critical state of Greater Banjul should water levels continue to rise.
The agricultural sector in Banjul has suffered due to climate impacts and commercial sand mining, which disrupted natural coastal defenses. Local gardener Aminata Jatta lamented the loss of employment, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives”. This situation has led to a significant decline in Banjul’s population, from 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024.
Moreover, research indicates that 64% of the remaining population intends to leave by 2050, driven by climate change and decreasing job opportunities. However, there are signs of hope; in November 2024, The Gambia secured $12 million for a Climate-Resilient Banjul project from the Global Environment Facility.
Additionally, initiatives such as the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project aim to bolster the city’s defenses by planting thousands of coconut trees along the coast, thereby enhancing Banjul’s natural barriers against rising sea levels. In a broader context, cities worldwide, including those in Canada, face similar threats from climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and renewable energy adoption to combat these dangers.
Banjul’s plight underscores the severe impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal cities. Rising sea levels pose a critical threat, prompting the need for urgent intervention and sustainable development strategies. Local initiatives aimed at enhancing natural barriers present a path forward to mitigate flooding risks, but the broader reliance on fossil fuels must be reduced globally to ensure long-term resilience against climate change.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
