Why Liberia might relocate its capital city Monrovia
- July 23, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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