Cities worldwide are sinking at alarming rates, but that doesn’t mean the ground is sinking at the same rate everywhere. Some neighbourhoods may be far more affected than others close by, with serious consequences for their residents.
Land subsidence – the gradual sinking of the ground surface – is a global urban problem. Rapid development often drives excessive groundwater extraction, which can cause underground sediments to compact and the land above to sink. The risk of flooding is exacerbated by rising sea levels and more intense rainfall associated with climate change.
