Alexandria, Egypt, is facing a significant crisis with over 280 building collapses in the past two decades, largely due to climate change-related coastal erosion and rising sea levels. A study highlights that more than 7,000 buildings are at risk, with implications extending to other Mediterranean cities. Experts advocate for nature-based solutions and better urban planning to mitigate risks and enhance coastal resilience.
The ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria is facing a significant crisis, with more than 280 buildings collapsing over the past two decades—a tenfold increase compared to previous decades. A recent study published in the journal Earth Future indicates that over 7,000 buildings in the city’s most vulnerable coastal areas are at risk. This alarming trend highlights broader vulnerabilities faced by coastal cities worldwide due to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels driven by climate change.
Essam Heggy, a researcher from the University of Southern California, emphasizes that Alexandria exemplifies the challenges confronting coastal cities affected by climate change and rampant urbanization. The study underlines the dire need for preventive measures and highlights systemic issues impacting urban infrastructure.
The research reveals that coastal erosion exacerbates seawater intrusion into groundwater, destabilizing soil and endangering building foundations. The team employed an array of data analyses, including geographic and geological assessments and satellite imagery, to evaluate the impact of erosion on building safety and infrastructural integrity.
Particularly affected is the Gharb district, experiencing an average shoreline retreat of 31 meters annually over the last century. This erosion intensifies salt infiltration into coastal aquifers, thereby degrading soil quality further. Over-extraction of groundwater has compounded this issue, leading to increased salt intrusion that jeopardizes structural integrity.
Inadequate maintenance of older buildings, subpar urban planning, and ineffective sewage infrastructure have worsened these conditions. Sara Fouad, a visiting researcher at the Technical University of Munich, advocates for a comprehensive risk management approach to safeguard urban areas against these threats.
The implications of this study extend beyond Alexandria, warning other coastal municipalities in the Mediterranean, including Tunis and Tripoli, facing similar structural and environmental challenges. Historical data indicates rising collapse rates along Italy’s southern coast, necessitating urgent attention to building safety and urban planning.
Experts suggest implementation of nature-based solutions, including green infrastructure, coastal designs, and innovative techniques such as “living beaches,” which can help stabilize shorelines and enhance ecological resilience against climate factors. Fouad recommends leveraging salt-tolerant vegetation as part of a green street network to improve absorption and mitigate tidal effects.
The study underscores the need for enhanced collaboration with local authorities to deploy preventative strategies effectively. As Amir Gohar outlines, adapting and mitigating climate impacts through infrastructure improvements, such as sea walls and the restoration of coastal ecosystems, is crucial. Additionally, relocating vulnerable communities is necessary to ensure safety and sustainability for future generations.
In summary, Alexandria’s struggle with building collapses serves as a cautionary tale for coastal cities globally. Factors such as climate change, coastal erosion, and inadequate urban planning exacerbate the risks for aging infrastructure. With urgent calls for nature-based solutions, effective risk management, and improved coordination among stakeholders, it is imperative for communities to implement adaptive strategies to preserve their coastal environments and safeguard their urban futures.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
