Lampoon, A lone man with an umbrella walks past the image of the United States flag on a huge screen in a nearly-empty Times Square. Hossein Fatemi Panos Pictures
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Skyscrapers rise, New York sinks: How the many buildings are making the city sink

New research has found that New York City is sinking at an average rate of 1-2 mm per year. The Big Apple is in a race against time to find solutions to mitigate the threat of sea rising

New York and the capitalist threat

The largest city in America, New York is considered a city with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when the Dutch established a trading post on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Over the centuries, the city grew and transformed, becoming a center of commerce, culture, and innovation. From the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in the 19th century to the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx in the 1970s, New York City has been at the forefront of many moments in history.

Today, the city is a global hub of finance, fashion, and media. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. The city is also home to a diverse population of people from around the world, making it a real multicultural metropolis.

New York City: from skyscrapers to sunken cities

However, in recent years, there have been growing concerns about the city’s infrastructure, with new studies claiming that New York City is sinking at an alarming rate, partly due to the weight of its tall buildings, which is worsening the flooding threat from rising seas. According to research, the city is sinking at a rate of about 2 mm per year, with some areas sinking at double this rate.

New York City sits on a bed of soft sedimentary rock called ‘glacial till’,  which is prone to subsidence. As the weight of the city’s infrastructure continues to increase, it is causing the ground to compress, exacerbating the subsidence issue. The city’s aging and outdated subway system is also contributing to the problem. Rising sea levels due to climate change are putting additional pressure on the city’s infrastructure, particularly its waterfront areas.

New York City: the sinking effect is occurring along much of the US east coast

Since 1950, water levels around New York City have risen by about 9 inches, and major flooding events from storms are predicted to become up to four times more frequent by the end of the century. With a population of 8.4 million people, varying degrees of hazard from inundation are faced by New York City.

The built infrastructure in New York City, including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, weighs a total of 1.68tn lbs, pushing down on a mixture of different materials on the ground, including sands and clays. While the largest buildings are placed on solid bedrock, the sinking effect is naturally occurring along much of the US east coast.

The issue of sinking is not unique to New York City. Many other coastal cities are facing similar problems due to rising sea levels and subsidence. The risks faced by New York City will be shared by many other coastal cities around the world as the climate crisis deepens. The combination of tectonic and anthropogenic subsidence, sea level rise, and increasing hurricane intensity imply an accelerating problem along coastal and riverfront areas. 

New York City: Melting glaciers and expanding seawater are one of the causes 

The city’s subsidence is a concerning issue that is exacerbating the impact of sea level rise, which is accelerating at a rate twice the global average. This is due to a combination of factors, including melting glaciers and expanding seawater caused by the warming climate. These factors are causing sea levels to rise faster than ever before, putting coastal cities like New York at risk.

The sinking of New York City is compounding this issue, as it is causing the city’s coastline to sink even further below sea level. This means that even minor increases in sea level could have catastrophic consequences for the city, putting millions of people at risk of flooding and storm surge. If the sinking continues at its current rate, the city could sink by as much as 6 feet by the year 2100, according to some estimates.

When it comes to infrastructure, which is already aging and struggling to keep up with demand, it is at risk of being further damaged by the sinking ground. This could include water and sewage systems, electrical grids, and transportation networks, which would have serious implications for the city’s economy and its residents. In addition, the sinking could exacerbate the risk of subsidence-related hazards such as sinkholes, which can cause physical damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Lampoon, The Statue of Liberty seen through a ferry window, Laurent Weyl Panos Pictures
The Statue of Liberty seen through a ferry window, Laurent Weyl Panos Pictures

The depths of danger – New York City’s sinking is a complex issue

New York City’s sinking problem is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. As the city continues to sink at an alarming rate, it is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding and storm surge. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused over $19 billion in damages and claimed dozens of lives, it is clear that the city is not prepared for the next major storm. The sinking of the city is exacerbating these risks, putting millions of people in harm’s way.

In addition to the risks posed by flooding and storm surge, the sinking of New York City also has implications for critical infrastructure. Water and sewage systems, which are already struggling to keep up with demand, are at risk of being damaged by the sinking ground. This could lead to widespread shortages of clean water and sanitation issues, posing a serious public health risk. Electrical grids and transportation networks are also at risk, as the sinking could cause damage to underground cables and pipes, leading to power outages and disruptions to public transportation.

The disruption of NYC’s infrastructure – consequences on the global economy

The economic implications of New York City’s sinking problem are also significant. The city is one of the world’s largest financial centers, and any disruption to its infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. In addition, the city’s residents and businesses could face significant financial losses in the event of a major flooding event. Insurance rates for property owners in flood-prone areas are already high, and they could become even more unaffordable, forcing many to leave the city.

Given the scale of the problem, addressing the city’s sinking issue will require a concerted effort from policymakers, scientists, and residents. This will involve investing in new flood prevention measures, such as seawalls and green infrastructure, as well as improving the city’s aging infrastructure to make it more resilient to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

How New York City has taken steps to address the issue of sinking

However, there are solutions to address the problem of New York City sinking. One solution is to invest in new infrastructure that is designed to withstand the effects of subsidence and rising sea levels. This could include new building materials, improved drainage systems, and more resilient transportation networks. Another solution is to address the root causes of the problem.

This could include reducing carbon emissions to slow the rate of climate change, upgrading the city’s aging infrastructure, and investing in renewable energy sources to reduce the pressure on the city’s electrical grid.

Fortunately, New York City has already taken some steps to address the issue of sinking. One example is the construction of the Hudson Yards development, located on the west side of Manhattan. The development is built on a platform that sits on 300 caissons drilled into bedrock, making it more resilient to subsidence. Other developments are also being built with similar considerations in mind.

The multi-billion-dollar plan: OneNYC

In addition, New York City has launched a multi-billion-dollar plan called OneNYC, which aims to address the issue of climate change and its impact on the city. The plan includes initiatives such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating more green spaces, and building more resilient infrastructure.

In spite of it all, New York City is sinking due to the weight of its tall buildings, and the situation is worsening due to rising sea levels, a complex problem that will require a multifaceted approach to solve. But with the right investments and policies, there is hope that the city can not only survive but thrive in the face of this challenge. The city faces a significant threat from flooding, which is predicted to become even more frequent in the future.

New York City, USA

The most populous city in the United States, is home to a diverse population of over 8 million people. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, the city is a hub of culture, commerce, and innovation. With its iconic skyscrapers, world-class museums, and beautiful parks, New York City is a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. But beyond its famous landmarks and attractions, the city has a rich history and culture that has influenced the world in countless ways.

Farah Hassan

New York City is drowning in concrete

The writer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article.

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