By 2050, coastal residents will be at high risk of their land sinking

Photo byPhoto by Noah Josue on Unsplash

A recent study led by Virginia Tech researchers, published in Nature, projects significant flooding risks for coastal cities in the U.S. by 2050. The study covers 32 cities along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts by combining satellite data on land subsidence with sea-level rise projections and tide charts. It predicts that up to 500,000 people could be affected, with one in 35 properties potentially damaged by flooding. The study also highlights racial and socioeconomic disparities among those impacted.

The research indicates that 45% of the cities analyzed are experiencing land subsidence, with 16% sinking at rates of 10 mm per year or more. Coastal cities, particularly those on the Gulf Coast, are at greater risk due to subsidence and rising sea levels. For instance, Shanghai has subsided up to 3 meters over the past century, exacerbating the effects of sea-level rise.

Key findings include an anticipated increase in flooded land by 500 to 700 square miles and a rise in the number of people and properties affected. The study also reveals that half of the cities are sinking faster than rising sea levels, which could amplify future flooding risks.

The study identifies a shortage of effective flood control structures, with many coastal cities having inadequate protection. It also reveals a concerning trend: racial and socioeconomic inequalities in flood exposure, with marginalized communities facing disproportionate risks.

This research underscores the urgent need for enhanced flood resilience planning and highlights the importance of integrating subsidence data into climate adaptation strategies. It is a critical resource for policymakers to address the growing threat of coastal flooding and its impacts on vulnerable populations.