A new study by researchers at Columbia University and the University of Albany has warned that New York City could face a sea level rise of up to 6 feet by the end of the century. The researchers conducted a study using satellite data on the city’s subsidence, or sinking, which revealed that parts of the city are sinking at almost half an inch per year. The combined effect of the city’s sinking and the rising sea levels could lead to faster and more widespread flooding from extreme weather events. The study argues that policymakers must take these findings into account as they plan for various climate scenarios.
While New York City is sinking at the rate of one-third of an inch each year, the southern end of Manhattan Island, with an average elevation of just two meters, is particularly at risk, should the sea level continue to rise. The study points out that the city’s subsidence is caused by several factors, including the weight of buildings and other human infrastructure, as well as the extraction of groundwater from beneath the city. Other major cities, including San Francisco and Jakarta, are also facing serious subsidence.
The findings of the study could significantly impact the decisions made by city officials regarding various matters such as construction permits and future development, the study’s authors added. New York City policymakers have already started focusing on building coastal flood protection and upgrading stormwater infrastructure in preparation for worsening storm surges and sea level rise.
The study’s findings underscore the urgency for immediate action to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect our coastlines. The impact of climate change is no longer a theoretical scenario; it is happening now, and we must take appropriate action immediately.
