People on a boat escape a larger looming wave in Dhaka
Sinking Cities

Dhaka: A Refuge that Needs to be Rescued

With homes swallowed by floodwaters and river erosion, migrants from different parts of Bangladesh have opted to move to the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong for ‘safer ground.’ But these options for ‘safer’ ground are also sinking.

Sinking Cities

Glossary

Frequently used terms for the Sinking Cities Project, and where to learn more.

Sinking Cities

Editorial Note

Their stories are meant to help break the illusion of gradual, natural change and uncloak what is happening to coastal cities for what it is: a deeply social, cultural and political phenomenon that is inextricably linked with actions humans take now.

Wave rush against a city protected by a giant, fortress-like gate in this image by Walker Gawande
Sinking Cities

Rotterdam: A bastion against rising sea, for now

Thanks to the city’s efforts toward climate adaptation and decades-old engineering works, Rotterdam does not have to worry about climate change until the end of the century. Yet, as the city develops, any mistake in flood defence planning becomes more costly.

An elderly man stands on a residential beach walkway, while a wave comes towards him, illustration by Walker Gawande
Sinking Cities

Dublin: Clash of priorities around the coast

The challenges faced in Clontarf in Dublin are likely to be mirrored across Ireland in the coming years, as coastal communities and the state grapple with how to protect against flood risk, while also preserving much-loved environments.

An underwater city is seen from eye-level in Alexandria, Egypy
Sinking Cities

Alexandria: Layers of history, levels of threat

For thousands of years, cultural hub Alexandria, Egypt has been at a geographical crossroads that puts it at risk from earthquakes and extreme weather events. Now, with massive real estate ventures underway, researchers say the government should look to the city’s past in preparation for the future.

A man and his child try to stop water from pouring in in Lagos Nigeria, illustration by Walker Gawande
Sinking Cities

Lagos : Profits over preparation

Lagos, Nigeria is positioned to become West Africa’s economic hub for the 21st century. But boundless economic and physical growth at the expense of protective wetlands puts the entire city at risk of climate disaster.

Individuals staring into their smartphone screens as their shadows show them with mops and brooms.
Behind the Scenes

Reporting migration as a human story: tips from our journalists

“I not only understand the circumstances that lead people to move abroad, but I also share their experiences, know the problems and processes they went through to come here, and because immigrants tend to build networks to provide help for each other,” Landivar notes.

A Black man stands in front of a club entrance where a sign says its K-hip hop night. Below that, a sign reads, "no foreigners, no Moroccans, Egyptias, Algerians"
Behind the Scenes

Interrupting racism in Korea

Can a three-letter word help us change our approach toward discrimination?

A Black man stands in front of a club entrance where a sign says its K-hip hop night. Below that, a sign reads, "no foreigners, no Moroccans, Egyptias, Algerians"
Story

“Heard” but not seen: Being Black in South Korea

Accordingly, for many nightclubs in Seoul, providing a foreigner-free experience is a selling point to attract customers, as a certain contingent of the clientele is more comfortable enjoying their night solely in the company of ethnic Koreans.

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