Infographic: 'Zero-meter zones' expand globally as sea levels rise

Millions of city dwellers worldwide face mounting inundation threat

Nikkei has estimated the land area and population that will sink below sea level because of rising seas in 17 cities -- including Tokyo, Shanghai and Jakarta -- all of which are coastal with low elevation.

Nikkei staff writers

May 20, 2022 12:08 JST

TOKYO -- As sea levels continue to rise because of global warming, "zero-meter zones" -- a term for areas below sea level -- are growing. Many of the world's major cities are located on coastal flatlands, and a growing number of people are at risk of inundation from rising seas. Looking ahead over the next 100 years, procedures to protect cities and their residents will undoubtedly be tested.

In densely built, heavily populated urban areas there are many constraints on strengthening flood control and implementing effective evacuation measures.