Jakarta is sinking faster than any other major city in the world. Some areas are sinking by up to 25 cm (10 inches) per year. This is due to excessive groundwater extraction, poor infrastructure, and rising sea levels.
The Indonesian government is even planning to move the capital to a new city, Nusantara, because Jakarta is becoming unlivable.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is built on soft clay, making it highly vulnerable to sinking.
The city sinks by 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 inches) each year. Heavy buildings, overuse of groundwater, and flooding from rising sea levels make the problem worse. If nothing changes, large parts of Bangkok could be underwater by the end of the century.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans has always struggled with flooding, but the situation is getting worse.
Some areas are sinking by about 5 cm (2 inches) per year. The city is already below sea level, and rising oceans threaten to make it uninhabitable by 2100. Even with levees and flood control systems, New Orleans remains at high risk.
Venice, Italy
Venice is famous for its canals, but the city is sinking rapidly.
It has sunk by about 25 cm (10 inches) in the last century. Rising sea levels and frequent flooding threaten its historic buildings. The MOSE flood barrier system helps, but experts worry it may not be enough to save Venice by 2100.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is sinking due to land subsidence and climate change.
Rising sea levels and frequent cyclones threaten millions of people. If global temperatures continue to rise, large parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, could be underwater by the end of the century.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China’s largest city, is sinking at a rate of 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) per year.
Its location near the Yangtze River Delta makes it vulnerable to rising sea levels. Heavy buildings and excessive groundwater use are worsening the problem. Without serious intervention, parts of Shanghai may disappear by 2100.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is at serious risk due to rising sea levels and land subsidence.
The city sinks at a rate of about 2 cm (0.8 inches) per year. If sea levels rise by one meter, nearly half the city could be underwater. The government is trying to build flood barriers, but the future remains uncertain.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, is sinking due to uncontrolled urban development and rising sea levels.
Coastal erosion and poor drainage systems make flooding worse. Many areas are already experiencing severe floods. If no action is taken, Lagos could become uninhabitable by 2100.
Manila, Philippines
Manila is sinking at a rate of 10 cm (4 inches) per year due to land subsidence and excessive groundwater pumping.
The city is highly vulnerable to typhoons and rising sea levels. Without proper urban planning, large parts of Manila may be lost to the sea by the end of the century.
Alexandria, Epypt
Alexandria, an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, is sinking due to rising sea levels and erosion.
The Nile Delta is shrinking, making Alexandria even more vulnerable. Scientists predict that much of the city could be underwater by 2100 if global warming continues.
