Rising waters in Cotonou: a challenge for the coastal city of Benin
Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, is facing a growing challenge: rising waters. Like many other coastal cities, Cotonou is vulnerable to the effects of global warming, resulting in rising sea levels and an imminent threat to the city.
According to experts and oceanographers, there is no doubt that sea level will continue to rise in the coming decades. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), by 2050 the sea level is expected to rise by 50 centimeters, and by 2 meters by 2100. This is mainly attributable to global warming which causes the melting of polar ice and the thermal expansion of the oceans.
Zacharie Sohou, oceanographer at Benin’s Fisheries and Oceanological Research Institute, warns of the consequences of this rising water for Cotonou. He claims that if no effort is made to combat coastal erosion, the city could disappear within 50 years, or be pushed inland.
One of the main concerns is the recurrent flooding of certain neighborhoods in Cotonou during the rainy season. Neighborhoods such as Vossa are particularly vulnerable, with residents having to leave their homes and belongings to escape the rising waters of the river.
To combat coastal erosion, which aggravates the problem of flooding, the Beninese government has initiated a program to build groynes to slow the movement of sediments. However, some experts believe that these measures may not be sufficient to deal with rising sea levels in the long term.
It is obvious that the inhabitants of Cotonou must be aware of these environmental challenges and participate in the fight against global warming. Otherwise, they risk becoming climate refugees in their own country.
In conclusion, the rising waters in Cotonou represent a major challenge for this coastal city in Benin. Authorities and residents must work together to find sustainable solutions to save their city from coastal erosion and flooding. The climate emergency requires immediate and coordinated action to ensure a secure future for the residents of Cotonou.