Banjul Faces Critical Threats from Rising Sea Levels Due to Climate Change

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is on the brink of becoming an underwater ghost town as rising sea levels, driven by climate change, threaten its existence. Flash floods have already impacted thousands of residents, leading to a decline in the local population. Despite the grim outlook, efforts are underway to enhance the city’s resilience against climate change effects.

A city in West Africa is nearing the brink of transformation into an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels. The phenomenon of climate change, exacerbated by industrial activities since the 1800s, has led to a rapid increase in global temperatures. As a consequence, cities such as Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, face severe threats as sea levels rise dangerously high, jeopardizing their existence.

The impacts of climate change are already evident in Banjul. In July 2022, a torrential storm brought excessive rainfall, triggering flash floods that affected over 50,000 residents, according to The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reports indicate that more than 10 inches of rain fell in 20 hours, demonstrating the vulnerability of the coastal city to severe weather events fueled by climate change.

The implications of rising sea levels for Banjul are critical. James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters, warned that even a one-meter rise would likely submerge Greater Banjul entirely. The city’s naturally low-lying position, combined with the effects of commercial sand mining, has eroded its defenses against the encroaching sea, leading to widespread distress among residents.

Many inhabitants of Banjul, like Aminata Jatta, a 60-year-old gardener, have witnessed a decline in agricultural productivity. Jatta lamented, “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” indicating the profound impact of environmental changes on her livelihood. The persistent loss of job opportunities has resulted in many residents abandoning the city, which has seen its population decrease from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024.

Further complicating the situation, a study by Nfamara K. Dampha revealed that 64% of current residents are contemplating leaving by 2050. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Banjul. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility aimed at implementing the Climate-Resilient Banjul project, designed to facilitate transformational changes in the region’s landscape.

Additionally, initiatives such as the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project are underway, focusing on re-establishing natural barriers to the sea by planting vegetation and coconut trees along the coastline. These sustainable practices aim to fortify Banjul’s defenses against rising tides and increase resilience against climate-related disruptions. Moreover, global attention is drawn to other regions like British Columbia, Canada, where properties face similar threats.

As a collective step towards combating climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks. Individuals can contribute by adopting cleaner energy solutions and supporting environmental initiatives to foster a healthier planet.

In summary, Banjul faces significant peril as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the city. The combination of climate change and human actions, such as sand mining, has exacerbated this situation. While challenges abound, initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience offer hope for its future. Global awareness and action are crucial to addressing the broader implications of climate change affecting coastal communities worldwide.

Original Source: www.thecooldown.com