Alexandria, Egypt, is suffering from the collapse of buildings due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. A study indicates building collapses have increased tenfold in two decades, with over 7,000 structures at risk. The research highlights the need for immediate protective measures to preserve the city’s historic architecture.
The historic port city of Alexandria, Egypt, is experiencing a significant crisis as rising seas continue to cause the collapse of numerous buildings. Sara Fouad from the Technical University of Munich stated that Alexandria’s once-resilient architecture, which weathered various natural disasters, is now succumbing to the adverse effects of climate change.
Fouad leads a study indicating that the frequency of building collapses in Alexandria has increased tenfold over the past two decades. The research employs satellite imagery and historical maps to analyze the retreat of Alexandria’s shoreline, assessing the impact of rising seas on groundwater and building integrity.
The published findings in “Earth’s Future” reveal that the foundations of buildings are deteriorating from below due to increased moisture in the soil, resulting in structural failures. Researchers urge the construction of sand dunes and the planting of trees to mitigate the encroachment of seawater, as more than 7,000 structures are identified as at risk.
From 2001 to present, Alexandria has recorded the collapse of 290 buildings. Study coauthor Essam Heggy of the University of Southern California remarked on the far-reaching implications of these losses, emphasizing that the fate of historic coastal cities is at stake as climate-related threats transition from hypothetical to immediate realities.
In summary, Alexandria is facing a critical challenge as rising sea levels lead to the structural collapse of historic buildings. The research underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard these coastal cities against the effects of climate change, ensuring the preservation of architectural heritage and community identity. Immediate actions, such as building natural barriers, are vital in mitigating further impacts.
Original Source: e360.yale.edu
