#Sharing This infographic by Voroni titled “The World’s Fastest-Sinking Coastal Cities” provides insights into land subsidence rates for 48 major coastal cities globally, based on satellite radar measurements taken between 2014 and 2020.

The data reveals that 44 of these cities are sinking faster than sea levels are rising, with subsidence rates in some cities exceeding 20 mm per year.

Key Points:

• Definition of Land Subsidence:
Land subsidence is the gradual sinking of land due to over-extraction of groundwater, soil compaction, or the heavy weight of urban infrastructure.

• Impact:
This phenomenon increases the risk of severe flooding, making some low-lying areas uninhabitable by the end of the century.

Fastest-Sinking Cities:
The infographic highlights 10 cities with the highest peak subsidence rates (in millimeters per year):
1. Tianjin, China (14.2 mm) – Large fissures appeared in June 2023, attributed to soil loss from geothermal well drilling.
2. Lagos, Nigeria (15.9 mm) – Coastal erosion and sand mining make the city highly vulnerable to flooding.
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (9.3 mm) – Experiencing significant subsidence.
4. Yangon, Myanmar (5.6 mm) – Faces subsidence challenges.
5. Chittagong, Bangladesh (5.4 mm) – About 69% of the city is covered by flood tides.
6. Jakarta, Indonesia (11.2 mm) – Indonesia plans to relocate its capital due to severe subsidence and flooding.
7. Istanbul, Turkey (15.5 mm) – Over-extraction of water puts the city at risk of continued subsidence.
8. Ahmedabad, India (8.7 mm) – Rapid urbanization and groundwater extraction drive subsidence.
9. Houston, U.S.A. (2.3 mm) – Subsidence issues due to urban and industrial activities.
10. Manila, Philippines (1.8 mm) – Moderate subsidence rate compared to other cities.

Geographic Distribution:
• Asia: 30 of the 44 fastest-sinking cities are located in Asia, highlighting the region’s vulnerability.
• Africa and America: Lagos and Houston represent regions outside Asia affected by significant land subsidence.

Conclusion:
This infographic underscores the urgent need for urban planning and groundwater management to mitigate the risks of land subsidence in coastal cities.

???? Source: Nature Sustainability
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