Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. Following devastating floods in 2022, the city faces a significant population decline as many residents consider leaving. Efforts are underway to combat these challenges through projects aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience and restoring natural barriers against rising seas.
Banjul, a city in West Africa, is facing the dire prospect of becoming an underwater ghost town due to escalating sea levels driven by climate change. Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, human activities have significantly accelerated global temperature increases, leading to rising sea levels that threaten low-lying urban areas such as Banjul, The Gambia.
The ramifications of climate change have already manifested in Banjul, particularly during a devastating storm in July 2022 that caused extensive flooding. Over 50,000 residents were affected as more than 10 inches of rain fell within a short span, illustrating the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters exacerbated by climate conditions.
According to James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters, a mere one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul. The city’s natural defenses, weakened by climate change and commercial sand mining, have left it increasingly exposed to the encroaching sea.
Residents, such as Aminata Jatta, a 60-year-old gardener, have expressed the profound impact of these changes on their livelihoods. Jatta stated, “The sand mining has devastated our lives,” highlighting the struggle of those who rely on agriculture and how it has been compromised by environmental damage.
As the effects of climate change intensify, Banjul has experienced a significant population decline from approximately 45,000 residents in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024. This trend is expected to continue, with research indicating that 64% of the current population intends to leave by 2050, driven by diminishing opportunities and environmental threats.
Nevertheless, initiatives are underway to address these challenges. In November 2024, The Gambia secured $12 million from the Global Environment Facility to support the Climate-Resilient Banjul project aimed at fostering sustainable change. Additionally, ongoing efforts, including the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project, seek to restore the city’s natural barrier by planting coastal vegetation, thereby enhancing resilience to sea level rise.
In conclusion, Banjul, The Gambia, is grappling with the severe consequences of climate change as rising sea levels threaten to inundate the city. With a significant population decline and residents facing dire economic challenges, initiatives aimed at sustainability may offer a glimmer of hope. Collaborative efforts and a global commitment to reducing fossil fuel reliance are crucial in the battle against climate change and safeguarding vulnerable communities like Banjul.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
