Across Southeast Asia, sinking cities face a threat that rising seas alone cannot explain. In Jakarta, groundwater extraction compresses the sediments beneath the city, while tectonic movements can alter land heights across the region. Together with sea level rise, these changes increase the risk of coastal flooding.
For scientists at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, understanding that risk means measuring both land and sea. On Lazarus Island, a team tests instruments designed to track their movements. In Singapore’s neighborhoods, community gardens and tree planting offer another part of the response: helping absorb rainwater while bringing residents into the work of preparing their city for a changing climate.
Documentary: Changing Ocean Asia: Sinking Cities
Director: Liz Courtney
Production: Earth Observatory of Singapore, Unboxed Media Australia & CuriosityStream (2021)
#sinkingcities #sealevelrise #southeastasia #landsubsidence #coastalflooding #groundwater #jakarta #singapore #climateadaptation #urbanresilience