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Alexandria, Egypt’s historic port city, is facing an escalating crisis due to climate-driven coastal erosion and rising sea levels. A recent article in the academic journal Earth's Future reveals that over 280 buildings along Alexandria’s coastline have collapsed in the past 20 years, with more than 7,000 additional structures now at risk. These collapses are primarily caused by severe shoreline retreat, urban expansion, and ineffective landscape management. As saltwater infiltrates underground aquifers, it weakens the soil and corrodes building foundations, particularly in Alexandria’s coastal districts.
The problem is worsened by Alexandria’s low elevation, with some areas sitting just 0.4 meters above sea level, making them highly vulnerable to flooding. Between 2014 and 2020, the city saw 86 complete and 201 partial building collapses, resulting in 85 deaths. With the situation worsening due to climate change, experts warn that parts of the city could be submerged by 2050.
The risks faced by Alexandria are not unique; many other coastal cities in developing nations are experiencing similar challenges. Experts emphasize the need for immediate action, advocating for cost-effective, nature-based solutions such as improved coastal management, adaptive urban planning, and stronger building regulations. These strategies aim to safeguard Alexandria's infrastructure and architectural heritage while preparing for the future impacts of climate change.
As Alexandria's coastline erodes at alarming rates, a mix of hard and soft protection strategies, such as seawalls, dune rehabilitation, and ecosystem-based adaptations, is being considered. These solutions are crucial in mitigating flooding, controlling groundwater levels, and improving coastal resilience. Without urgent intervention, Alexandria’s iconic waterfront and vulnerable infrastructure could face irreversible damage, endangering both lives and the city’s economic stability.
Read the original article, "Soaring Building Collapses in Southern Mediterranean Coasts: Hydroclimatic Drivers & Adaptive Landscape Mitigations".
