Banjul Faces Existential Threat from Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change

Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town as rising sea levels threaten its existence. Flash floods in 2022 impacted over 50,000 residents, leading to severe livelihood losses, especially in agriculture. Despite these challenges, projects are underway to restore the city’s coastal defenses, but a significant portion of the population is planning to leave by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change.

A city in West Africa is perilously close to becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels. The significant increase in global temperatures since the rise of industrialism in the 1800s has exacerbated climate change, leading to alarming sea level rises. Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is one of the cities facing severe jeopardy as a result of these environmental changes.

The effects of climate change have already impacted Banjul, with flash floods from a July 2022 storm affecting over 50,000 residents. The torrential downpour resulted in more than 10 inches of rain within a single day, as reported by Reuters, devastating the city and its infrastructure. The residents of Banjul are profoundly affected by these increasingly severe weather events, forcing them to confront an uncertain future.

According to James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, a one-meter rise in sea level could submerge Greater Banjul entirely. The city was historically low-lying, and the combined effects of climate change, coupled with commercial sand mining, have diminished its natural defenses against the encroaching sea. Many residents express their despair over these developments.

Aminata Jatta, a 60-year-old gardener, remarked on the detrimental impact of sand mining on their agricultural livelihood, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” highlighting the struggle for survival among the residents. As a result of these challenges, many have already departed Banjul, which has seen its population decline from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 by 2024.

Furthermore, a study indicates that 64% of the current population intends to leave Banjul by 2050, suggesting a continued exodus. However, there are initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city. In November 2024, The Gambia received a $12 million grant from the Global Environment Facility to pursue a Climate-Resilient Banjul project aimed at transformative environmental change.

In addition, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project is engaged in planting thousands of coconut trees and other vegetation along the coastline. These efforts aim to utilize sustainable resources to restore Banjul’s natural coastal defenses, which are vital in the fight against rising sea levels. It is essential to recognize that Banjul is not alone; cities globally, including those in British Columbia, Canada, are facing similar threats due to climate change.

To combat these effects, a collective movement towards reducing fossil fuel reliance is crucial. Transitioning to renewable energy sources represents a viable starting point for individuals and communities alike as we address the looming threat of climate change.

Banjul, The Gambia, stands at the brink of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Despite devastating impacts such as flash floods affecting thousands, initiatives like the Climate-Resilient Banjul project and coastal restoration efforts offer some hope. However, the increasing population exodus signifies an urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat the impending crisis, while global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence remain critical.

Original Source: www.thecooldown.com