Cities across the US, particularly along the East and Gulf Coasts, are facing subsidence, a significant issue where urban areas gradually sink. This phenomenon, stemming from factors like heavy infrastructure and groundwater extraction, not only threatens the cities' stability but worsens the impacts of climate change-induced sea-level rise. A recent study highlighted that by 2050, subsidence combined with rising sea levels could put $109 billion of coastal property at risk of flooding. However, experts believe that affordable solutions exist to address these challenges, suggesting a proactive approach can mitigate future risks.
Cities are sinking across the US, some at a few fractions of a millimeter each year, while others lose up to six millimeters a year.
Sinking can come from the sheer weight of skyscrapers and infrastructure, or from people drawing water from underground.
In the US, sea-level rise combined with subsidence could expose $109 billion of coastal property to high-tide flooding by 2050.
The key takeaway is that we still have sufficient time to manage this hazard.
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