Rising Sea Levels Could Submerge Kolkata and Other Major Cities by 2100
As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, scientists have warned that nine major cities, including Kolkata, will face significant flooding by 2100 if current trends in global warming and greenhouse gas emissions continue. The rising sea levels, coupled with increasingly intense rainfall, threaten to submerge these urban centers, with the potential to reshape global geography in the coming decades.
Cities at Risk of Flooding by 2100
Experts have identified several cities across the globe that are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events caused by climate change. If carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions continue to increase at the current rate, global sea levels are projected to rise by up to 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) by the end of the century. These conditions will lead to widespread inundation, threatening the livelihoods of millions and causing irreversible damage to infrastructure.
The nine cities most at risk of flooding by 2100 are:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New Orleans, USA
- Hull, UK
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hamburg, Germany
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Venice, Italy
- Kolkata, India
- Gold Coast, Australia
Among these cities, Kolkata is particularly vulnerable due to its low-lying geography, proximity to the Bay of Bengal, and rapidly expanding population. As sea levels rise, it faces severe threats from both coastal flooding and the effects of intense rainfall, making it one of the first cities to experience catastrophic inundation.
Why Are These Cities at Risk?
The root cause of these looming disasters lies in global warming, driven largely by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation and industrial emissions. Rising temperatures lead to a chain reaction of environmental changes, including the melting of polar caps and glaciers. This contributes to the rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities worldwide.
In addition to sea level rise, intense rainfall due to climate change is another major concern. Scientists explain that as the Earth’s temperature increases, warmer air holds more moisture. This leads to heavier rainfall, which, when combined with rising sea levels, exacerbates the flooding risks for these cities.
According to Pascal Peduzzi, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Global Resource Information Database, “While it is difficult to make a direct link between an individual extreme event and climate change, it is clear that we need to be prepared to face more intense and more frequent extreme hydro-meteorological events due to climate change.”
The Science Behind Extreme Weather Events
Increased global temperatures have a direct impact on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As the planet warms, there is more moisture in the atmosphere, which results in heavier, more concentrated rainfall. This in turn increases the likelihood of floods, especially in regions already vulnerable due to geographical and socio-economic factors.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued several reports highlighting the disastrous impact of climate change on cities, with flooding being one of the most devastating consequences. According to the IPCC, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, will continue to escalate as global temperatures rise.
“Floods are made more likely by the more extreme weather patterns caused by long-term global climate change. Change in land cover—such as removal of vegetation—and climate change increase flood risk,” the UNEP emphasized in its reports.
Kolkata: A Case Study in Vulnerability
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in India, faces a particularly grave threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather. Situated near the Bay of Bengal, the city is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and coastal erosion. The region’s dense population and sprawling urban infrastructure further complicate efforts to mitigate flood risks.
As a city with a history of flooding, Kolkata is at the mercy of rising waters and intensifying rainfall. Experts warn that, without immediate intervention and large-scale adaptation measures, Kolkata could face annual floods, displacing millions and causing widespread damage to vital infrastructure.
What Can Be Done?
The situation calls for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Several strategies can help reduce the risk of flooding and protect vulnerable cities:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The most effective way to curb sea level rise and reduce the frequency of extreme weather events is to address the root cause—global warming. This requires global efforts to cut carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
- Improved Urban Planning: Cities at risk of flooding must invest in better infrastructure, including elevated buildings, flood barriers, and better drainage systems. Governments should implement smart urban planning to avoid constructing on flood-prone land.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as mangroves, wetlands, and forests can help absorb excess water and act as a buffer against rising seas.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Governments must develop comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, including relocation plans for vulnerable populations, enhanced early warning systems, and disaster management protocols.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The warning signs are clear: if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unchecked, cities like Kolkata, Bangkok, and Venice will face catastrophic flooding by 2100. The science is irrefutable, and the consequences of inaction are severe. Global leaders, urban planners, and environmentalists must collaborate to implement sustainable solutions that can mitigate the effects of climate change and protect future generations from the devastating consequences of rising seas.