Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming submerged due to rising sea levels prompted by climate change. Severe flooding in 2022 severely impacted the population, leading to a significant exodus. However, initiatives are underway to protect the city, such as replanting coastal vegetation and securing climate funding to enhance sustainability.
The city of Banjul in The Gambia faces a dire threat as rising sea levels could transform it into an underwater ghost town. Increased temperatures due to climate change, particularly since industrialization in the 1800s, have accelerated sea level rise globally. Banjul, a historically low-lying area, is particularly vulnerable as worsening climate conditions and sand mining have compromised its defenses against flooding.
In July 2022, a severe storm inundated Banjul with over 10 inches of rain within 20 hours, affecting more than 50,000 residents through flash floods. The repercussions of climate change are evident, and local officials have expressed alarm at the prospect of a one-meter rise in sea levels, which could submerge Greater Banjul entirely.
The decline of Banjul’s agricultural sector due to flooding and sand mining has left many residents despondent. Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, remarked on the devastation caused by these changes, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives.” The city’s population has significantly dwindled from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024.
A notable proportion of the current population, specifically 64%, plans to leave Banjul by 2050, reflecting the increasing urgency of the situation. Nonetheless, efforts are underway to combat the challenges facing the city. The Gambia recently secured $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for the Climate-Resilient Banjul project, aiming for transformative environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, the City-link Ostend Banjul project has begun replanting coastal vegetation to strengthen natural defenses against the sea. These initiatives signal hope for Banjul’s future as it grapples with climate change, paralleling other regions, such as British Columbia in Canada, which are also threatened. Lastly, a collective reduction in fossil fuel dependency is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts and protecting vulnerable communities like Banjul.
In summary, Banjul faces severe risks from climate change and rising sea levels, threatening its existence. The local population is decreasing due to these environmental challenges, but significant projects are underway to enhance resilience against flooding. Continued efforts to revitalize ecosystems and shift towards sustainable practices offer a glimmer of hope for the future of this coastal city.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
