Alexandria faces a dramatic increase in building collapses due to climate change, with over 280 collapses in two decades. More than 7,000 structures are at risk, driven by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. This issue exemplifies challenges for coastal cities globally, necessitating urgent adaptive strategies and sustainable urban planning to mitigate future risks.
Over the past two decades, the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria has experienced a concerning rise in building collapses, posing a broader threat to coastal cities globally. Recent research published in the journal “Earth Future” indicates that Alexandria has seen more than 280 buildings collapse, a tenfold increase compared to prior decades. Furthermore, over 7,000 structures in vulnerable coastal areas face imminent risk of failure, establishing Alexandria as the most at-risk location in the Mediterranean Basin.
The alarming phenomenon is driven by severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels, both consequences of climate change. Such conditions are not exclusive to Alexandria, as researchers assert. Essam Heggy, a researcher at the University of Southern California, emphasized that “Alexandria is a living example of the challenges facing other coastal cities in the region due to climate change and uncontrolled urban expansion.”
Coastal erosion facilitates seawater intrusion into groundwater systems, intensifying salt levels and destabilizing soils, which accelerates the deterioration of building foundations. The research team employed geographic, geological, and engineering data to pinpoint locations of collapsed structures, utilizing government reports and historical archives, complemented by satellite imagery for a comprehensive analysis.
The Gharb district of Alexandria has been notably affected, with the shoreline receding approximately 31 meters annually over the past century. The ongoing erosion exacerbates salt contamination in local aquifers, negatively impacting soil quality and moisture. Excessive groundwater extraction further compounds the issue, with seawater intrusion contributing to the degradation of foundational integrity for buildings.
Heggy noted that inadequate maintenance, poor urban planning, and insufficient wastewater infrastructure amplify the crisis. Sara Fouad, a visiting researcher from the Technical University of Munich, called for a holistic approach to urban planning and risk management as a solution to these pressing issues.
While the study primarily focuses on Alexandria, it serves as a cautionary tale for other coastal cities in the southern Mediterranean, including Tunis and Tripoli, which have also reported significant structural damage linked to beach erosion. The increase in building collapses in Italy’s southern coastal areas by nine percent underscores the widespread nature of the problem.
Experts, including Amir Gohar from the University of the West of England, attribute rising sea levels to rapid urbanization, specifically along Egypt’s North Coast, which disrupts natural sedimentation. He warns that the increasing shoreline erosion poses a persistent challenge that varies across Mediterranean nations.
To mitigate these risks, the study advocates for environmentally sustainable strategies like “living beaches” and green infrastructures designed to protect coastal buildings against climate-related threats. Moreover, community engagement and improved local authority collaboration are vital for implementing proposed preventive measures.
Gohar suggests that Egypt should adopt both adaptation and mitigation strategies, which may include constructing sea walls, restoring mangroves and coral reefs, and even relocating communities from vulnerable areas. By doing so, there exists the potential to safeguard coastal architectures and ecosystems from future climate impacts.
The situation in Alexandria highlights the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and environmental protection measures to combat the increasing risks posed by climate change to coastal cities. The research underscores the importance of coordinated efforts at local and regional levels for implementing adaptive strategies, as well as acknowledging that similar threats exist in other Mediterranean cities. Addressing these challenges proactively is crucial for preserving both infrastructure and communities.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
