Banjul Faces Dire Threats from Rising Sea Levels Due to Climate Change
Banjul, The Gambia, faces the alarming prospect of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels attributed to climate change. A severe storm in 2022 affected over 50,000 residents, worsening the city’s plight. Measures are being taken, including a $12 million climate-resilient project to bolster defenses against the sea. With increasing population decline, Banjul’s future hinges on sustainability efforts and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
In West Africa, Banjul is perilously close to transformation into an underwater ghost town as global sea levels continue to rise. The phenomenon of climate change, intensified by human industrial activity since the 1800s, has caused a dramatic increase in temperatures, consequently elevating sea levels to risky heights. This crisis poses significant threats to cities like Banjul, The Gambia, where residents have already begun to feel the adverse impacts.
The dire situation was exacerbated by a torrential storm in July 2022 that resulted in severe flooding, affecting more than 50,000 people. Over 10 inches of rainfall fell within just 20 hours, leading to widespread devastation. Local authorities, including James F.P Gomez, The Gambia’s minister responsible for fisheries and water resources, warn that a mere one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul entirely.
Historically, Banjul has been a low-lying city, but the combined effects of climate change and commercial sand mining have eroded its natural defenses against the sea. Residents are increasingly frustrated, as evidenced by concerns voiced by Aminata Jatta, a local gardener. She lamented, “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” highlighting the dilemma faced by those dependent on agriculture for survival.
Amidst these troubling conditions, Banjul’s population has been in decline. From a peak of approximately 45,000 inhabitants in 1983, the city now houses around 26,000, with a significant portion of the population considering permanent relocation. A study by Gambian researcher Nfamara K. Dampha indicates that 64% of affluent residents intend to leave Banjul by 2050, driven by climate concerns and diminishing job prospects.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope for Banjul’s future. In November 2024, the city secured $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for the Climate-Resilient Banjul initiative aimed at facilitating transformative environmental changes. Additionally, projects funded by the EU, such as City-link Ostend Banjul, focus on planting vegetation and coconut trees along the coastline to strengthen natural barriers against the rising tides.
Banjul is not alone; other regions, including areas in British Columbia, Canada, are also facing similar threats from climate change. To combat these issues effectively, it is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and embrace cleaner, renewable energy sources. Individuals can take constructive steps toward this goal and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
The plight of Banjul exemplifies the critical dangers posed by rising sea levels due to climate change. With a history of flooding and a declining population, the city’s future hangs in the balance. Fortunately, ongoing environmental projects and funding initiatives provide a glimmer of hope for the residents. Collective action toward sustainability and reduced fossil fuel reliance remains imperative for both Banjul and other vulnerable regions worldwide.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
