Jakarta is sinking, thanks to climate change

| Read time: 3 minute(s)

Indonesia has announced that it is shifting its capital from Jakarta. One of the fastest-sinking cities on earth, environmental experts warn that one third of it could be submerged by 2050 if current rates continue. Jakarta is going under water by 10 inches every year. Its more than 10 million population is in trouble as the city is densely populated and ground below their feet may not exist. Literally! The Indonesian government is planning to move its capital to the island of Borneo. Jakarta’s groundwater levels were shrinking, the soil is becoming porous and illegal rampant mining too has affected the climate in the city. Jakarta is far from alone—cities the world over are drowning and sinking, and there’s very little we can do about it short of stopping climate change entirely. San Francisco Bay Area is sinking around 1.7 mm every year. So are Venice, London, New Orleans, Osaka and Bangkok. It is estimated that the San Francisco airport could be underwater by 2100. But would the humans be around to see that? Looking at the way we are exploiting our natural resources and misusing nature, the chances are weak. Not a fun fact Since 1990, worldwide carbon dioxide emissions have risen by over 20 percent.

Indonesia has announced that it is shifting its capital from Jakarta. One of the fastest-sinking cities on earth, environmental experts warn that one third of it could be submerged by 2050 if current rates continue.

Jakarta is going under water by 10 inches every year. Its more than 10 million population is in trouble as the city is densely populated and ground below their feet may not exist. Literally! 

The Indonesian government is planning to move its capital to the island of Borneo. Jakarta’s groundwater levels were shrinking, the soil is becoming porous and illegal rampant mining too has affected the climate in the city. 

Jakarta is far from alone—cities the world over are drowning and sinking, and there’s very little we can do about it short of stopping climate change entirely. San Francisco Bay Area is sinking around 1.7 mm every year. So are Venice, London, New Orleans, Osaka and Bangkok. 

It is estimated that the San Francisco airport could be underwater by 2100. But would the humans be around to see that? Looking at the way we are exploiting our natural resources and misusing nature, the chances are weak.


Fun Fact

Since 1990, worldwide carbon dioxide emissions have risen by over 20 percent.


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