As climate change accelerates, rising sea levels have become one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Melting polar ice caps, warming oceans, and thermal expansion have already begun to reshape coastal landscapes.
For some cities, the threat of submersion and the subsequent economic, environmental, and social consequences are no longer distant concerns—they’re imminent realities. By 2035, several urban centers worldwide face significant risks from rising sea levels, with millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure at stake.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels are projected to rise by 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) by 2050 if global carbon emissions remain unchecked. However, regional variations in sea-level rise, due to factors like land subsidence, ocean currents, and tectonic activity, mean that certain cities are more vulnerable than others.
The Most At-Risk Cities
Jakarta, Indonesia
Often referred to as the “sinking city,” Jakarta is facing dual threats: rising sea levels and rapid land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction. Nearly 40% of the city already lies below sea level, and by 2035, large parts of the city could be uninhabitable. The Indonesian government has even announced plans to relocate its capital to Borneo in response to this looming crisis.
Miami, United States
Miami is often cited as one of the most vulnerable cities in the developed world due to its low-lying geography and porous limestone bedrock, which allows seawater to seep through. By 2035, frequent “sunny day flooding” is expected to become a norm, threatening property values, tourism, and critical infrastructure in South Florida.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok faces a combination of rising seas, land subsidence, and overdevelopment. Parts of the city are sinking at a rate of up to 1 cm per year. With large areas less than 1.5 meters above sea level, Bangkok’s growing population and economic activities are under severe threat.
Venice, Italy
Famous for its canals, Venice is no stranger to flooding. However, climate change has exacerbated the city’s plight. Despite the construction of the MOSE flood barrier system, experts warn that rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms may overwhelm these defenses by 2035.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, and its capital, Dhaka, faces dire consequences. Rising sea levels, combined with flooding from rivers and cyclones, could displace millions of residents, many of whom are already living in densely packed, flood-prone slums.
New Orleans, United States
New Orleans, still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, remains highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm surges. Its location below sea level and reliance on levees and pumps leave the city at high risk of flooding by 2035.
Lagos, Nigeria
As one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos is particularly at risk. Rising seas could inundate large portions of the city, especially as unplanned urban development reduces the city’s natural flood defenses.
The financial toll of rising sea levels is staggering. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, flood damage in coastal cities could cost $1 trillion annually if no action is taken. Beyond the economic impacts, rising seas threaten to displace millions of people, leading to climate migration and potential geopolitical tensions.
By 2035, the impacts of rising sea levels will be impossible to ignore. The fate of these cities—and countless others—hinges on immediate and sustained action. Policymakers, urban planners, and global leaders must act decisively to safeguard the future of these vulnerable urban centers and their millions of inhabitants.
