Rising seas are destabilizing historic cities and modern coastlines
Seawater intrusion, driven by climate change, is accelerating building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt — an issue scientists warn is also threatening California’s coastal cities.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Researchers found that rising groundwater, caused by retreating shorelines, is eroding foundations in Alexandria, increasing building collapses from one per year to about 40.
- Soil analysis revealed that seawater intrusion weakens structural stability from the ground up, even in buildings not directly exposed to the sea.
- Scientists warn that California’s coastal cities face similar risks, as land subsidence and saltwater intrusion could degrade infrastructure and water supplies.
Key quote:
“Our study challenges the common misconception that we’ll only need to worry when sea levels rise by a meter.”
— Essam Heggy, water scientist at the University of Southern California
Why this matters:
Climate change isn’t just about rising seas — it’s about what happens beneath the earth's surface. As shorelines recede, groundwater rises, destabilizing buildings from below. Alexandria’s struggles offer a warning for other coastal cities, including those in California, where land subsidence and saltwater intrusion threaten homes, infrastructure, and drinking water supplies. The risks extend beyond property damage, affecting economic stability and historical preservation.
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