Rapidly rising sea levels caused by global warming are placing several major cities around the world at serious risk of flooding and submersion by 2030, according to climate researchers.
A map produced by climate research organization warns that without effective government intervention, many low-lying urban areas could face severe tidal flooding and long-term inundation within the next few years.
Among the cities identified as highly vulnerable are and , along with several major coastal and river-port cities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
Khulna, Bangladesh’s third-largest city, sits only about 29 feet (9 meters) above sea level. Researchers say the city already faces heightened flood risks, particularly after the devastating floods of 2021 highlighted the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s coastal regions.
Kolkata, one of India’s largest metropolitan areas, is also under threat due to rapid urban expansion and shrinking natural drainage areas. Experts warn that heavy monsoon rains combined with rising sea levels could create severe flooding problems in the coming years.
The report also lists , which is already struggling with annual flooding and gradual land subsidence. Scientists warn that the city’s existing flood defenses may become increasingly difficult to maintain as sea levels continue to rise.
In the island nation of , the capital remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable urban centers. Authorities there have already begun constructing floating infrastructure projects to adapt to future sea-level rise.
Other cities highlighted in the assessment include , , , , , , , , , and .
Many of these cities are already experiencing frequent flooding, land subsidence, stronger storms, and tidal surges linked to climate change.
In , the report noted that levees and flood walls have so far protected the city from complete inundation. However, the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 demonstrated how catastrophic failures in flood defenses can overwhelm urban infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands continues to rely heavily on sophisticated dikes, barriers, and floodgate systems to protect low-lying cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam from the encroaching North Sea.
Climate experts say the risks facing coastal cities are expected to intensify unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced and large-scale adaptation measures are implemented.
