The city sinking faster than Venice—and what might happen by 2030

Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate, significantly faster than Venice, with parts of the city already below sea level and facing inundation by 2050. Excessive groundwater extraction and heavy urban infrastructure are the primary drivers of this rapid subsidence. Without drastic changes, large areas of the city could become uninhabitable, highlighting a critical global challenge for coastal cities.

The city sinking faster than Venice—and what might happen by 2030
Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate, significantly faster than Venice, with parts of the city already below sea level and facing inundation by 2050. Excessive groundwater extraction and heavy urban infrastructure are the primary drivers of this rapid subsidence. Without drastic changes, large areas of the city could become uninhabitable, highlighting a critical global challenge for coastal cities.