Banjul, The Gambia, is on the verge of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels driven by climate change. A significant storm in July 2022 impacted over 50,000 residents. The city’s population has plummeted over the decades, with many seeking to leave due to shifting environmental conditions. However, recent initiatives aim to bolster its climate resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
A city in West Africa is at a critical juncture as it approaches the possibility of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels. Climate change, exacerbated by industrial activities since the 1800s, has led to a perilous increase in temperatures and consequential sea-level rise. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to coastal cities like Banjul, The Gambia, where such changes are already being felt profoundly.
In July 2022, Banjul suffered massively due to a torrential storm that resulted in flash flooding impacting over 50,000 residents. Reports highlighted that more than 10 inches of rain fell within a short span of 20 hours, showcasing the vulnerability of the city to extreme weather events. The ramifications of climate change, alongside commercial sand mining, have weakened Banjul’s natural defenses against the encroaching sea.
According to James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s Minister of Fisheries, a mere one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul completely. The city, historically situated at low elevation, is facing increasing challenges. Many residents, such as Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, articulate their despair as their livelihoods diminish due to environmental changes and unregulated sand mining. “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” she stated, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
As climate change and lack of job opportunities prompt residents to leave Banjul, the city’s population has drastically declined from 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 by 2024. A scientific study reveals that 64% of the current population intends to depart by 2050, highlighting the impending crisis. This trend projects a grim outlook for the future of Banjul as its citizens search for more stable conditions elsewhere.
Despite these adversities, there is a glimmer of hope for Banjul. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for the Climate-Resilient Banjul project, aimed at implementing transformative changes. Moreover, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul initiative is proactively planting thousands of coconut trees and coastal vegetation to restore natural barriers. These sustainable endeavours could significantly fortify the city’s defenses against rising sea levels.
The threat of climate change is not isolated to Banjul; it similarly endangers properties across British Columbia, Canada, reflecting a broader global crisis. Mitigation efforts must include reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing renewable energy sources. Proactive steps of this nature are imperative to combat climate change effectively and preserve vulnerable communities like Banjul.
In summary, Banjul faces a severe existential threat from rising sea levels fueled by climate change and human activities like sand mining. The community is witnessing declining population numbers as many residents seek refuge from environmental challenges. However, with recent funding for climate resilience projects and local sustainability initiatives, there is hope for a revitalized Banjul that could withstand the impacts of a changing climate. Global cooperation and individual action towards sustainability remain crucial in the fight against climate change.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
