Banjul, The Gambia, faces dire threats from rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Torrential storms have already caused flash floods affecting over 50,000 residents. With a declining population and initiatives for resilience underway, significant efforts are required to combat the challenges posed by climate change. The situation in Banjul reflects a broader global issue of vulnerability among coastal cities.
A city in West Africa is on the verge of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. The issue, which has been noticed since the onset of industrialism in the 1800s, has reached a critical point in locations like Banjul, The Gambia, threatening the future of its residents. Torrential rainfall in July 2022 severely impacted the city, affecting over 50,000 people and resulting in flash floods that inundated homes and infrastructure.
As reported by James F.P Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, a one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul entirely. The city’s historical low elevation and ongoing sand mining activities have weakened its natural defenses, leaving residents feeling desperate. Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, expressed her concerns: “The sand mining has devastated our lives” – Dialogue Earth.
Many residents have already begun leaving Banjul due to limited job prospects and the impacts of climate change. The population has declined from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024, with projections indicating that 64% of the remaining residents intend to leave by 2050, according to research by Nfamara K. Dampha, a Gambian scientist.
Despite these challenges, initiatives aimed at revitalizing Banjul are underway. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility to implement the Climate-Resilient Banjul project, which aims for transformative change. Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project is working to strengthen the coastline through the planting of coconut trees and vegetation.
Banjul is not alone in facing the adverse effects of climate change, as other regions, such as British Columbia, Canada, also confront similar threats. To combat climate change effectively, it is essential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pursue cleaner, renewable energy sources, a necessary step for the global community.
The city of Banjul, The Gambia, is at significant risk of becoming submerged due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. The government and various organizations are initiating projects to restore natural barriers and make the city more resilient. Nonetheless, the urgent need for global action against climate change remains clear, requiring a collective shift toward sustainable energy sources.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
