The ground beneath cities is shifting, a quiet signal for a colleague tracking urban resilience to see the full picture.
Cities Are Sinking Under Their Own Weight Story flow and key facts
A new study reveals that the world’s largest coastal cities are sinking under the combined pressure of their own weight and excessive groundwater extraction, worsening flood risks beyond what sea-level rise alone would cause. Researchers from the Technical University of Munich found that urban subsidence is amplifying sea-level rise by up to three times the global average in densely populated areas, with cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, and Lagos descending rapidly. In some parts of Jakarta, the land is sinking at a rate of 42 millimeters per year, driven by heavy construction and water withdrawal. The study analyzed data from 2003 to 2023, showing that coastal subsidence adds 6 millimeters annually to sea-level rise in urban zones—far exceeding the global average of 2 millimeters. Countries most affected include Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.
Facts
- Urban subsidence is causing sea levels to rise by 6 millimeters annually in coastal cities—three times the global average.
- Jakarta is sinking at up to 42 millimeters per year in some areas, with 40% already below sea level.
- Groundwater and oil extraction, plus heavy construction, are primary drivers of land subsidence.
- Tokyo reduced subsidence from over 24 millimeters to near zero through strict groundwater management.
- Alexandria, Lagos, Bangkok, and Tianjin are sinking at rates between 4 and 13.5 millimeters per year.
- Scientists urge monitoring both ocean and land levels to accurately assess coastal flood risks.
Canto visual news explainer. AI tools may assist production. Editorial policy
