Based on decades of scientific research, sea levels have been rising worldwide at a rate of 3.5 millimeters (0.14 inches) every year since 1990. At this rate, Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL) it is projected to rise by about 1 meter over the next 90 years, and 3 meters more in the following century.
Over the centuries, low lying cities have developed impressive array of water defense systems, including dikes, dams, ditches, water locks and barriers. and in the mid-20th century, the Dutch developed a series of storm surge barriers to protect their low lying cities.
In her YouTube video featured on MinuteEarth’s channel, science journalist Emily Elert discusses how cities are coming up with creative ways in developing solutions to make them as resilient as possible. She also mentioned that engineered flood solutions are not enough to protect from storm surges, natural barriers like salt water marshes and mangroves are also effective in combination with man-made barriers.
There are also products available on the market that can protect your homes and business facilities from flood waters. German engineers from Flood Control Asia RS developed demountable flood barriers and flood gates. Their proven technology has used in many applications worldwide for more that 25 years. Dutch engineers are designing floating homes and shopping centers that can bob along rising seas. Inventors in the UK have developed thirsty concrete, capable of soaking up 600 liters of water every minute and funneling it away.
Collective weather and disaster data are also essential for urban planning especially in dealing with floods. They should rely on models to where storms may likely to hit and visualize where evacuations might needed to occur.
The bottom line, resilience is the key for modern cities to survive the global sea level rise. People should think of better ways and ideas to flow out faster than the water can flow in.