Can we save Southeast Asia’s capitals from drowning? | Climate Conversations podcast

Summary

In this episode of *Climate Conversations*, hosts Jack Bor and Leling Tan discuss the alarming issue of sinking cities and the rising threats of water crises in Southeast Asia. They explore how rapid urbanization, climate change, and poor infrastructure contribute to cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur sinking and flooding. The episode also examines ambitious solutions such as the relocation of Jakarta's capital and Bangkok's artificial islands project, while weighing the effectiveness of gray vs. green infrastructure in managing water risks. The conversation highlights the urgent need for both technological innovation and nature-based solutions to safeguard urban areas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Urban cities across Asia are facing increasing water-related threats due to rapid population growth, poor infrastructure, and climate change. Water from the sky, sea, and rivers is becoming a growing concern for urban spaces.
• 🌊 44 of the 48 largest coastal cities are sinking faster than sea levels are rising, exacerbating the challenges of managing water in these regions.
• 🏙️ Cities like Jakarta and Venice are experiencing significant sinking rates, with Jakarta sinking as much as 26 cm per year, putting its urban planning at risk.
• 🌧️ Southeast Asia is entering the Northeast monsoon season, with predictions of wetter weather, driven by the El Niño weather system, causing greater rainfall and posing risks of flooding in the region.
• 💧 Water stress is escalating globally due to disruptions in rain patterns and mismanagement of water systems, leading to severe consequences such as food shortages and economic losses, especially in high-income nations.
• 🏝️ Bangkok, like many cities, is facing the dual threat of sea-level rise and land subsidence. Some proposals, such as building artificial islands, aim to protect the city, but there are concerns about long-term feasibility.
• 🌍 Jakarta is considering relocating its capital to Nusantara due to severe water-related issues such as flooding and land subsidence, which have made the city uninhabitable in certain areas.
• 🚧 The divide between rich and poor neighborhoods in Jakarta highlights the disparity in flood defenses. Wealthier areas have advanced flood protection, while poorer areas are left with minimal safeguards, such as sandbags.
• 🛠️ Massive infrastructure projects, like seawalls and smart tunnels, are being considered to protect cities from flooding, but experts debate whether nature-based solutions, like green spaces and conservation, might be a more sustainable approach.
• 🏙️ Kuala Lumpur is experiencing unpredictable flooding, not tied to coastal issues but worsened by urbanization. Experts suggest that the city could benefit from a 'sponge city' model, incorporating more green spaces to manage excess water.

Q & A

What is the main environmental challenge discussed in the podcast?

The main environmental challenge discussed is the sinking of coastal cities due to a combination of land subsidence, rising sea levels, and climate change. The podcast specifically highlights Jakarta, Venice, Ho Chi Minh City, Istanbul, and Manila.

Why is Jakarta sinking at such a high rate?

Jakarta is sinking due to a combination of factors: excessive groundwater extraction, overdevelopment, and its location on a low-lying area. The city is sinking at a rate of up to 26 cm per year, one of the highest in the world.

What is the proposed solution for Jakarta's sinking problem?

The proposed solution for Jakarta is to relocate the capital to a new city called Nusantara, built from scratch. This decision aims to alleviate the pressure on Jakarta, which is overburdened with population and frequent flooding.

How does Venice's sinking rate compare to other cities mentioned?

Despite being famously associated with sinking, Venice is actually sinking at a much slower rate compared to other cities, like Jakarta. The city faces other issues such as rising sea levels and flooding, which exacerbate its problems.

What is the 'Pearl Necklace' project for Bangkok?

The 'Pearl Necklace' project is a controversial mega-project aimed at protecting Bangkok from flooding. It involves building nine artificial islands across the Gulf of Thailand to act as a barrier against rising sea levels, though its feasibility and environmental impact are still under debate.

What are the key environmental threats facing Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur faces threats from unpredictable flash floods, exacerbated by rapid urban development and the loss of green spaces. While the city has some flood diversion infrastructure, experts are exploring nature-based solutions, such as green spaces and sponge city concepts, to manage water more sustainably.

What are nature-based solutions, and why are they important?

Nature-based solutions involve using natural systems, like wetlands, mangroves, and forests, to manage water and prevent flooding. These solutions are seen as environmentally sustainable alternatives to hard infrastructure like dams and seawalls, helping to restore ecosystems while mitigating water-related challenges.

What does the podcast suggest about the future of urban planning in flood-prone cities?

The podcast suggests that future urban planning in flood-prone cities should focus on balancing infrastructure with nature-based solutions. There’s an emphasis on designing cities that embrace water management as part of their ecosystem rather than attempting to control it entirely through concrete solutions.

How does Jakarta's development and expansion contribute to its sinking problem?

Jakarta’s rapid urban expansion has led to over-extraction of groundwater, which causes the city to sink. The constant construction and development have also contributed to the degradation of natural water management systems like swamps and floodplains, further exacerbating the sinking issue.

What role do mangrove forests play in flood prevention in cities like Bangkok?

Mangrove forests are critical for flood prevention because they act as natural barriers, protecting coastal areas from erosion and absorbing excess water. In cities like Bangkok, restoring mangroves is considered a key component of a nature-based solution to rising sea levels and flooding.