The historic city of Alexandria, Egypt, renowned for its ancient heritage and cultural significance, faces a grave threat as rising sea levels lead to severe coastal erosion. Over the past two decades, rising waters have caused the collapse of 280 buildings, with thousands more at risk. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to address climate change's impact on vulnerable coastal regions.
Situated along a coastline reminiscent of California's Mediterranean stretch, Alexandria has seen its coastline move inland by tens of meters. Some areas experience soil erosion rates of up to 79 to 118 feet (24 to 36 meters) annually. The city, a cradle of cultural exchange and home to historical figures like Cleopatra, is now sounding an alarm about the tangible effects of climate change.
Average global sea levels have risen between 8 and 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) since 1880, with a significant 4-inch (10 cm) rise since 1993 alone. These changes have accelerated Alexandria's coastal erosion, with the rate of building collapses increasing from around one per year to as many as 40 annually over the last decade. Between 2014 and 2020, 86 buildings completely crumbled, and 201 partially collapsed, resulting in 85 deaths.
"The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar." – Essam Heggy
The city of Alexandria, established 2,300 years ago, is not only a testament to Egypt's rich history but also a reminder of the potential future losses if climate change continues unabated. With predictions suggesting U.S. sea levels could rise by as much as 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) by 2100 if no action is taken, Alexandria's plight serves as a cautionary tale.
"We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm. What once seemed like distant climate risks are now a present reality." – Essam Heggy
The erosion has been exacerbated by seawater intrusion, which weakens building foundations and destabilizes the soil. This phenomenon has been confirmed through scientific analysis.
"Our isotope analysis revealed that buildings are collapsing from the bottom up, as seawater intrusion erodes foundations and weakens the soil," – Ibrahim Saleh
Alexandria's situation highlights the broader implications of climate change on global heritage sites. As one of the ancient world's most significant cities and the former home of the famed Library of Alexandria, its preservation is crucial for maintaining a link to our shared human past.
"Historic cities like Alexandria, which represent the cradle of cultural exchange, innovation and history, are crucial for safeguarding our shared human heritage," – Essam Heggy
