Adapting to the threat

As a result of these risks in coastal cities, such as Alexandria, planning adaptation measures to cope with the long-term prospects of higher sea levels, often at considerable cost is a must. Building seawalls, rethinking roads, and planting mangroves or other vegetation to absorb water are all being undertaken.

In Alexandria, a $billion project will aim to protect the city with an 80-foot-high seawall. Rotterdam, home to the Global Center on Adaptation, has offered a model to other cities seeking to combat flooding and land loss. The government must build barriers, drainage, and innovative architectural features such as a “water square” with temporary ponds.