Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. Significant rainfall and flooding have already impacted thousands. Many residents are fleeing as the city’s population shrinks. However, projects funded by global partners aim to enhance climate resilience through restoration efforts. Addressing climate change requires global collaboration and commitment to renewables.
In West Africa, a city is on the brink of becoming an underwater ghost town as rising sea levels pose an increasing threat. Climate change, significantly accelerated by human activity since the 1800s, has led to alarming global temperature increases, directly impacting areas like Banjul, The Gambia. Historic weather events, such as a devastating storm in July 2022 that brought over ten inches of rain in 20 hours, have already resulted in severe flooding affecting over 50,000 residents.
The situation in Banjul is dire; if sea levels rise by just one meter, the city could be entirely submerged, according to James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters. Due to its low-lying geography and the detrimental effects of commercial sand mining, Banjul’s natural defenses against the encroaching sea have weakened, leaving many residents hopeless.
Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, expressed her anguish, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives.” As employment opportunities dwindle, more residents have opted to leave the city, which has seen its population decline from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024. Research indicates that 64% of the current populace plans to abandon the city by 2050.
Despite these challenges, Banjul’s future is not entirely bleak. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for a project aimed at enhancing the city’s climate resilience. Additionally, the City-link Ostend Banjul initiative, supported by the EU, focuses on environmental restoration by planting coconut trees and coastal vegetation, which aims to bolster Banjul’s natural defense against rising sea levels.
Banjul is not isolated in its struggles; other regions, such as British Columbia, Canada, are similarly threatened by climate change. Addressing these global challenges requires a commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency and adopting cleaner, renewable energy sources as a collective strategy to combat climate issues effectively.
In conclusion, the city of Banjul, The Gambia, faces substantial threats from rising sea levels due to climate change. With a significant decline in its population and increasing despair among residents, immediate action and community-focused projects are essential for future resilience. Initiatives like the Climate-Resilient Banjul project and planting programs provide hope for restoring the city’s defenses. Addressing climate change is a global imperative that calls for unified efforts to mitigate its adverse impacts.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
