Examine how rising sea levels have compelled nations to relocate their towns and capital cities, providing relevant examples. (10M, 150 words) [ Geography GS -1 ]

Introduction:

Since the late 19th century, global sea levels have risen by approximately 21 to 24 centimeters. This increase is primarily driven by the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms and the melting of ice sheets and glaciers.

Between 2006 and 2015, the global mean sea level rose at an average annual rate of 3.6 millimeters, which is 2.5 times faster than the average annual rise of 1.4 millimeters observed during most of the 20th century.

Body:

Significance of Rising Sea Levels:

• Impact on Infrastructure: Coastal cities worldwide are facing threats to critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, subways, sewage treatment plants, landfills, water supplies, and oil and gas wells, which are vital for local employment and regional economies.
• Frequent Flooding: Higher sea levels lead to more frequent high tide flooding, often termed “nuisance flooding,” which, while not typically deadly, can be economically damaging and disruptive.
• Environmental Stress: Coastal ecosystems that provide storm protection, recreational opportunities, and habitats for fish and wildlife—including commercially important fisheries—are under stress due to rising sea levels.
• Freshwater Contamination: Sea level rise is leading to the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, which supply water for natural ecosystems, municipal use, and agriculture.

Factors Contributing to Sea Level Rise:

• Glacier and Ice Sheet Melting: The melting of glaciers and ice sheets adds large amounts of water to the ocean.
• Thermal Expansion: As seawater warms, it expands in volume, contributing to sea level rise.
• Decline in Liquid Water on Land: Decreases in the amount of liquid water stored on land, such as in aquifers, lakes, and reservoirs, also contribute to rising sea levels.

Recent Examples of City Relocation:

• Monrovia, Liberia: Rising sea levels and coastal erosion displaced over 6,500 people and destroyed 800 houses between 2013 and 2018.
• Jakarta, Indonesia: Due to rising sea levels and uncontrolled groundwater extraction, Jakarta is sinking rapidly. The government plans to relocate the capital to the island of Borneo as one-third of the city is projected to be submerged by 2050 if current trends continue.

Conclusion:

• The challenges faced by Monrovia and Jakarta are reflective of a global issue. Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by 21-24 centimeters, with the rate of rise accelerating since 1993.
• As global temperatures continue to increase, more glaciers and ice sheets will melt, adding water to the oceans. Additionally, global warming is causing thermal expansion of seawater, further contributing to sea level rise. This poses significant risks to coastal cities and ecosystems worldwide, necessitating urgent and coordinated global action.