To counter the global sea level rise, several initiatives have formed to block seas off from the global water flow. The idea behind it: If you control the global water flow, you could control the sea level locally without having to tackle the problem globally. Of course, from a political point of view, this is a case of eco-protectionism taken to the next level. It would create an unprecedented case of separatism, a whole area shutting itself off from global interdependency that is essential to what human culture is – an interdependent global network.
About these plans, one scientist from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research said: “See this as a warning. What we’re saying is: Here’s a plan, a plan we don’t want. But if we end up needing it, then it’s technically and financially feasible.”
See the article from the New York Times from 2020.
Tag: Engineering
The Thames Barrier was installed in the 1980s to protect London from extreme floods from the North Sea. It’s design make it probabyl to most stylish flood protection structure ever and reflects the era of it’s planning, the 1970s. The Thames Barrier has been closed 184 times since it became operational in 1982. Of these closures, 97 were to protect against tidal flooding and 87 were to protect against combined tidal/fluvial flooding. (source: wikipedia)
To see what French artist Gustave Doré imagines London without the Thames Barrier, go here.
UK; 20. Century; Engineering; City: London
Eko Atlantic, officially Nigeria International Commerce city, also known as Eko Atlantic City, or the initials E.A.C. and E.A., is a planned city of Lagos State, Nigeria, being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion, the new peninsula is anticipating at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters. The development is also designed to help in stopping the erosion of Lagos city’s coastline. (Quote Wikipedia)
Thanks to Fabienne Hölzel for the tip!
Nigeria; 21. Century; Christian; Engineering; City: Lagos
