"Rapid Sinking: The Growing Threat to China's Major Cities"
TL;DR Summary
A study using nationwide satellite data found that nearly half of China's major cities are experiencing moderate to severe subsidence, with 16% of urban land sinking at more than 10 mm per year. This poses a significant risk of flooding, especially as sea levels rise, and could affect millions of people. The issue is driven by declining water tables and the weight of the built environment, costing China billions in annual losses. The problem is not limited to China, with other countries also at risk, and experts emphasize the need for both mitigation and adaptation measures to address this global challenge.
- Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say NBC News
- Water extraction and weight of buildings see half of China's cities sink BBC.com
- Chinese cities are sinking rapidly NPR
- Satellite Data Reveals Sinking Risk for China’s Cities The New York Times
- 270 million people are living on sinking land in China’s major cities, new study finds CNN
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