River Deltas at Risk: A Sinking Crisis Unveiled

A study finds major river deltas like the Ganga-Brahmaputra are sinking faster than rising sea levels, amplifying flood risk for 236 million people. Groundwater withdrawal, reduced river sediment, and urban expansion are primary causes. Satellite data reveals global delta subsidence, impacting crucial regions worldwide.

River deltas globally are facing unprecedented challenges, with new research indicating they're sinking faster than sea levels are rising. This crisis, impacting hundreds of millions, is driven by factors such as groundwater depletion, sediment supply changes, and urban expansion, as revealed by an international study.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra, Mekong, and Mississippi are among the most affected, with 90% of their areas undergoing significant subsidence. This phenomenon is outpacing ocean level increases, posing a heightened risk to coastal communities reliant on these waterways for sustenance and economic activity.

The study, published in Nature, utilized satellite data to create a detailed map of delta elevation changes worldwide. Researchers emphasize the problem isn't merely in the future—it's occurring now, with human activity pinpointed as a key factor, offering hope that solutions can be controlled and implemented effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)