The “Venice of Africa” is sinking into the sea

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Saint Louis, Senegal, known as the "Venice of Africa," is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and severe flooding
• The city, built on a crowded island with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Senegal River on the other, faces catastrophic environmental challenges

🔭 The context: Once a thriving colonial capital, Saint Louis has seen significant damage due to climate change
• In 2003, an attempt to mitigate flooding by digging a canal backfired, exacerbating the problem
• A government study indicates that by 2080, 80% of the city could be at risk of flooding

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The plight of Saint Louis underscores the broader issue of climate change's impact on coastal cities globally
• Rising sea levels and increased storm surges threaten to displace populations, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt economies

⏭️ What's next: Without effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, Saint Louis could face further destruction
• Urgent action is required to protect vulnerable communities and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of such cities

💬 One quote: “Saint Louis is a city of water. If we’re not careful, it will all disappear.” – Cheikh Badiane, local fisherman

📈 One stat: A study commissioned by the Senegalese government found that 80% of Saint Louis will be at risk of flooding by 2080

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change and sustainable living