Why Liberia might relocate its capital city Monrovia

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Senators in Liberia have proposed relocating the capital city Monrovia due to recurring flash floods.
The proposal follows torrential rains that caused flash floods, affecting over 50,000 people.
Monrovia, home to 1.5 million people and located on the Atlantic coast, was among the worst affected.

Causes of Recurrent Flooding in Monrovia:

The primary cause is rising sea levels.
In the West Point slum of Monrovia, sea level rise and coastal erosion displaced over 6,500 people and destroyed 800 houses between 2013 and 2018.
By 2030, the Greater Monrovia District is expected to see a sea level rise of 16 cm, putting nearly 675,000 people and 9,500 hectares of land at risk.

Global Sea Level Rise:

The global sea level has risen by about 8–9 inches (21–24 cm) since 1880.
The rate of increase has accelerated since 1993, more than doubling from 0.07 inches (0.18 cm) per year in 1993 to 0.17 inches (0.42 cm) per year currently.
Drivers of Sea Level Rise:
- Global warming is the main driver, causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt and add water to the ocean.
- Thermal expansion, where warmer water expands in volume, also contributes to sea level rise.

About Liberia:

Officially known as the Republic of Liberia.
Located on the West African coast, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Official language: English, with over 20 indigenous languages reflecting ethnic and cultural diversity.
Capital and largest city: Monrovia.

Source: IE