In what comes as a shocking revelation by global researchers, numerous big cities in China are gradually sinking into the earth. This phenomenon is known as the land subsidence and over 50 Chinese scientists have claimed that nearly half of the major cities in the country are facing “moderate to severe” levels of subsidence, putting million lives at risk of flooding especially when the sea level is gradually rising.
According to the latest study, the urban area below sea level in China could triple by 2120, potentially impacting between 55 to 128 million residents in the country. Notably, the researchers used the satellite data to analyze 82 cities in China, including the capital city Beijing and one of the major metropolises, Shanghai, which collectively house more than 700 million people.
Alarming Situation For China: Coastal Cities At risk
The consequences of subsidence are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. As land surfaces continue to sink, several Chinese cities are increasingly becoming vulnerable to flooding, especially during extreme weather events such as typhoons or heavy rainfall. In coastal cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, where sea levels are continuously rising due to climatic changes, the risk of flooding is further compounded, putting millions of people at risk of displacement and economic loss.
Cities like Beijing and Tianjin have been emerging as the major subsidence hotspots, raising fears for coastal areas. According to the research, 270 million residents in the urban areas of China can get affected, with over 70 million experiencing rapid sinking of 10 millimeters or more every year.
Speaking of the cities, Shanghai, China’s largest metropolis, has already sunk by up to three meters during the last century, highlighting the urgency of the crisis. The researchers emphasize the necessity of comprehensive models that account for all relevant elements, including human activity and climate change, while projecting subsidence.
This menacing land subsidence is primarily caused by several human activities in urban environments that not only amplifies climate change and sea-level rise in the country but also disproportionately impacts the coastal areas. One of the significant elements which has led to the land subsidence in China is the groundwater extraction.
It is quite common in the metropolitan cities for drinking water and industrial use. When groundwater drains, the earth compacts and settles, resulting in a lower ground level. Furthermore, the weight of buildings and infrastructure adds to city sinking, especially in areas where the geological basis is not strong enough to support such loads.
What Lies In The Future?
The sinking of China’s top cities is a wake up call for the world. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development practices that consider the long-term health of our communities and the safety of the residents.
With nearly half of its major cities sinking at an alarming rate, China faces a formidable challenge in protecting its people and infrastructure from the risks of flooding and instability. As China continues to grow and urbanize, dealing with the issue of land subsidence will be critical to guaranteeing the resilience and prosperity of its cities.
