Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels driven by climate change. Recent flooding impacted over 50,000 residents. With predictions indicating a steep decline in population, local initiatives are underway to enhance climate resilience. However, many residents express despair as commercial sand mining worsens the situation.
The city of Banjul, located in The Gambia, faces a critical threat as rising sea levels endanger its future, potentially transforming it into an underwater ghost town. Significant climate change effects began with industrialism in the 1800s, leading to an alarming global temperature rise and, consequently, higher sea levels. Recent intense rainfall has already severely impacted the city, affecting over 50,000 residents due to flash floods during a 2022 storm, with reports indicating more than 10 inches of rain fell within 20 hours.
Banjul’s geographical position as a historically low-lying city makes it particularly vulnerable. James F.P. Gomez, The Gambia’s Fisheries Minister, warns that even a one-meter rise in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul entirely. Local residents have shared their despair, as commercial sand mining has weakened Banjul’s natural coastal defenses, helping to exacerbate these conditions. Aminata Jatta, a local gardener, lamented, “The sand mining has devastated our lives” – Dialogue Earth.
The population of Banjul, which was approximately 45,000 in 1983, has drastically declined to an anticipated 26,000 by 2024. This exodus reflects the ongoing impacts of climate change and limited job opportunities. A study by researcher Nfamara K. Dampha revealed that 64% of current residents plan to vacate by 2050. Unfortunately, these trends threaten the city’s viability for future generations.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Banjul. In November 2024, The Gambia secured $12 million from the Global Environment Facility for an initiative aimed at climate resilience. Additionally, projects such as the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul initiative focus on restoring the city’s coastal defenses by planting vegetation, including thousands of coconut trees, to combat rising sea levels.
Banjul’s plight is emblematic of a broader global risk, with other regions, such as British Columbia, Canada, also facing potential inundation. Addressing climate change demands urgent action, including a transition from fossil fuels to cleaner and renewable energy sources. By making these changes, individual efforts can significantly contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change at both local and global levels.
In conclusion, Banjul faces significant threats from rising sea levels due to climate change, which jeopardizes its future as a habitable city. Recent flooding has devastated the local population, leading to an alarming migration trend. However, initiatives aimed at bolstering the city’s resilience through financial support and environmental restoration provide a source of optimism. Collective action towards sustainable practices is essential to safeguard the future of vulnerable communities like Banjul.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
