These 6 Cities Including Kolkata Will Be Underwater Before 2030 Due To Climate Change

Climate change is drowning our coastal cities. As icy glaciers continue to melt and the water flows into our rivers and eventually the oceans, the water level will continue to rise at an alarming rate.

While world leaders may be figuring out solutions to climate change and the disasters lined up for humanity in the future at COP26, the inevitable has already begun happening. In fact, some of our favourite cities in the world could be underwater before 2030.

In its latest report, Climate Central created a map of sorts to assess which parts of Earth will be underwater before 2030 owing to rising sea levels. The map was created using information from The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC), the United Nations body responsible for analysing science related to climate change.

Also read: Climate Change May Reduce Winter Migration Of Birds And Their Population

There is only one underlying factor on which the list is created - the current trajectory of pollution. While things may change in the next decade, based on the lack of concrete action we've seen in the last decade, it appears that the following six cities (including one from India) could be underwater partially or entirely in less than a decade from today.

Here are the six cities that could be underwater before 2030.

1. Amsterdam in the Netherlands

Wikipedia

The world famous destination in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its love for bridges, marijuana with an unrivalled nightlife. Sadly, Amsterdam falls in the region known as "Low Countries," including other cities like Rotterdam and the Hague.

Also read: Climate Change Is Causing Plankton To Migrate, Could Cause 17% Dip In Marine Life

While the Dutch have mastered the science of flood defences, it seems Amsterdam will be in the direct line of rising sea levels within this decade.

2. Basra in Iraq

Al Jazeera

Considered the primary port city in Iraq, Basra is situated along the Shatt al-Arab river that drains into the Persian Gulf. With deep marshlands as its neighbour, Basra could find itself partially or completely submerged before the end of this decade.

3.New Orleans in the United States

TimeOut

Climate change doesn't care for our understanding of the developed vis-a-vis the developing. It will affect all territories equally. The only difference will be based on how well different countries are equipped to deal with the crisis.

The city of New Orleans already has a famed system of levees to protect it from drowning. Even then, the city needs to do more to see the next decade.

4. Venice in Italy

I, Wanderlista

Not a stranger to flooding, Venice is known for its waterway network - a tourist favourite. If you want to see the beauty of Venice, we suggest going in the near future, before most of the city is submerged.

Also read: Climate Change Is Spiking Suicide Rates And Infectious Diseases: Study

According to Timeout, the city is sinking by two millimetres every year, along with facing the direct effects of rising water levels. Even though Venice also has protective measures, more radical steps may be needed to prevent it from submerging.

5. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

Lonely Planet

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam could be underwater before 2030, at least most of its eastern areas that are located near the Mekong River, along the marshy areas of Thu Thiem.

Even if the city does not submerge, it may be rendered too dangerous for humans to live in due to a variety of factors including flooding and storms.

6. Kolkata in India

PS Group

The capital of West Bengal in India, Kolkata has a new challenge coming its way if it wants to retain the cultural history associated with the city.

Before 2030, large parts of Kolkata could face immense flooding, causing the city to submerge. Do you travel to Kolkata to enjoy a raw Durga Pujo experience every year during the festival season? Now might be the time to pressure political leaders to take climate change and its effects more seriously.

Also read: This Website Shows How Your City Could Look In A Climate Change Catastrophe

Which city from this list do you want to visit before it falls prey to rising sea levels and other catastrophic effects of climate change? Share with us in the comments below.

For more in the world of science, technology, and all-things-climate-change, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

Citation

Cunningham, E. (2021, November 3). 9 Cities That Could Be Underwater By 2030. Time Out Worldwide.

Sea level rise map and coastal flood tool ¡ª US and global. (2021). Climate Central.

Sixth Assessment Report. (2021). IPCC.