New York City is sinking from the abundance of skyscrapers and large infrastructure. Researchers say that the Big Apple is sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year, even more for parts built on softer surfaces. The same is happening in Jakarta, prompting Indonesia to change its capital city. These descents will lead to more damaging floods, storms, and hurricanes.

We can’t ignore the fact that climate change is really happening. We’re experiencing rising sea levels, floods, typhoons, and warmer temperatures. With artificial landfills and millions of buildings in our cities, more than a billion kilograms are pushing down on the Earth’s surface. In New York alone, it’s predicted waters will rise by 8 to 30 inches in the year 2050, and sediment-filled buildings are sinking faster per year. Even King Kong would have to migrate from this concrete jungle, if ever. 

What does this mean for Metro Manila?

This is alarming not only for NYC, because other cities are predicted to go underwater. The congested city of Manila is also at risk of sinking significantly by 2030. Today’s floods might seem like a minor inconvenience for commuters, a challenge for houses and establishments, or the overall vulnerable Manila population now, but the waters will not be so shallow when the time comes.  

Though there is no metric for Manila’s weight relative to New York, other reports show that parts of Manila are below sea level and sinking, specifically Malate, Tondo, San Jose, Pasay, and Port Area. There are even predictions that floods will affect nearly all waterfront cities in the Metro by 2050.

While it’s a long shot from becoming the “Lost City of Manila”, the news is still very alarming. 

We might hate to think about this since it makes us feel anxious about our future, but it’s a serious reminder for us and the government to start strengthening disaster risk reduction policies so that we don’t end up living with the fishes. 

To the fortunate some, floods are but a mild inconvenience. It means being a bit late for work, or being stuck at home. But to many, livelihoods are destroyed, and lives are lost. 

Because they don’t have the luxury or the capacity to leave in cases of disaster, indigent people are adversely affected by the storms, and the worsening of these floods will only intensify the situation. Corporations, governments, and individuals, all must do what is best for the environment to stop the sea levels from rising. 

Tackling these changes is a team sport, and if all players do their part, the Pearl of the Orient will remain afloat.