Banjul, The Gambia, is at risk of becoming submerged due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. The city has experienced significant impacts, including severe flooding affecting tens of thousands. With a declining population and many residents planning to leave, various international projects aim to restore resilience. Initiatives focused on sustainable practices are essential for the city’s future.
A city in West Africa, Banjul, The Gambia, faces a severe threat of becoming an underwater ghost town due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. The phenomenon of climate change, attributed to human activities since the onset of industrialism in the 1800s, has accelerated, causing global temperatures and sea levels to rise. Banjul, historically low-lying, has already seen drastic effects from climate change, particularly after a devastating storm in July 2022 that led to significant flooding, affecting over 50,000 residents.
The potential impacts of rising sea levels on Banjul are alarming. According to James F.P Gomez, The Gambia’s minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, a mere one-meter increase in sea levels could submerge Greater Banjul completely. As a consequence of climate change and commercial sand mining, the city’s natural defenses against the sea have deteriorated, leading many residents to express their despair.
Aminata Jatta, a 60-year-old gardener, highlighted the hardships faced by local residents, stating, “The sand mining has devastated our lives.” She emphasized the decline in agricultural viability, which is critical for her survival, lamenting the lack of effective action addressing these challenges. The deterioration of living conditions has led to a significant population decline, with Banjul’s population dropping from approximately 45,000 in 1983 to an estimated 26,000 in 2024.
Furthermore, studies indicate that around 64% of the remaining population intends to leave Banjul by 2050 due to the ongoing impacts of climate change and limited job opportunities. Despite the dire situation, there is a glimmer of hope for Banjul through initiatives funded by international organizations. In November 2024, The Gambia received $12 million for the Climate-Resilient Banjul project aimed at promoting transformative changes to combat climate challenges.
Additionally, the EU-funded City-link Ostend Banjul project is actively contributing to coastal resilience by planting coconut trees and enhancing vegetation along the coastline. These efforts aim to restore Banjul’s natural defenses against rising sea levels, providing a better chance for the city to withstand future climate impacts. Banjul’s plight exemplifies a broader trend as cities globally, including those in British Columbia, Canada, also face significant risks related to climate change.
Banjul, The Gambia, is confronting an existential threat from rising sea levels, driven by climate change and exacerbated by local practices such as sand mining. The population has decreased significantly, and many residents are planning to leave due to the challenging conditions. However, international initiatives aim to restore the city’s resilience. Efforts to adopt sustainable practices are critical for Banjul’s future survival against ongoing climate threats.
Original Source: www.thecooldown.com
