More and more often, we hear about rising sea levels, an increased number of typhoons, and hurricanes due to climate change. Even real estate research and market outlooks increasingly account for these climate risks, especially for coastal areas and other high-risk zones. This shift underscores a critical question: Should we focus our investments solely on safe, inland areas, or is it still possible to invest wisely in different cities despite the risks?
Climate change awareness is a priority
The good news is that cities are not standing idle. Recognizing the challenges, the world's top engineers are working tirelessly to protect these areas, their citizens, and their properties from rising seas and devastating floods. Across the globe, innovative engineering projects are tackling these threats head-on, offering confidence for a resilient future.
We will explore four remarkable initiatives from different parts of the world that demonstrate how cities are safeguarding themselves against flooding, storms, and high waters. Each project reflects the balance between ambition and caution, as supporters and critics alike weigh the environmental, economic, and social implications of these massive undertakings.
If you want to go deeper into the topic, we recommend our article on how climate change affects real estate.
G-Cans (Kasukabe, Japan)
Beneath the surface of Kasukabe, Japan, lies a hidden wonder: the G-Cans project, officially known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel. This subterranean marvel is the world's largest flood diversion system, designed to protect Tokyo and its surrounding areas during typhoons and heavy rains.
The system features an elaborate network of tunnels, massive storage tanks, and vertical shafts. During storms, excess water is diverted into the underground reservoirs, preventing urban flooding. The largest storage chamber, often called the "Underground Temple," is a feat of engineering. It is capable of holding staggering volumes of water and – according to the experts – can even withstand a once-in-200 years flood.
Completed in 2006, the project cost approximately US $2.5 billion. However, experts estimate that G-Cans has already saved over US $1.5 billion in damages. Since its inception, the number of houses damaged by floods after heavy rains or typhoons has decreased by 90%, highlighting its significant impact on urban resilience.
MOSE (Venice, Italy)
Venice is a city famed for its canals and timeless beauty. The sea once made Venice a great power, but today the sea threatens to destroy it. High tides, or "acqua alta," were an ever-present menace. Enter MOSE, short for "Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico," an engineering marvel designed to protect the lagoon city.
MOSE employs 78 mobile barriers positioned at the inlets of the Venetian Lagoon. When the tide rises beyond a critical level, these barriers are elevated, shielding the city from inundation. Since its activation, MOSE has significantly reduced flooding events.
New York Times noted the MOSE impact on the local real estate market. Once prone to flooding ground-floor apartments, which were banned even in the days of the Republic of Venice, have now grown in price. This fact underscores that the economic benefits of such projects are often much higher than the costs.
However, MOSE has not been without controversy. Environmentalists have raised concerns about its impact on the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. By altering tidal flows, the barriers could disrupt the natural sediment movement and affect the lagoon’s biodiversity. Some scientists are also concerned that due to climate change, MOSE will need to raise its barriers more frequently. This could pose a serious risk of transforming the lagoon into a swamp due to reduced water exchange.
Delta Works (Netherlands)
The Netherlands, a country where a significant portion of the land lies below sea level, has long been synonymous with water management. The Delta Works, an intricate network of dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers, exemplifies Dutch expertise in this field.
On 31 January 1953, a severe storm exposed the vulnerability of the Netherlands to the North Sea’s power, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives. In response, the Dutch government launched the Delta Works project — a comprehensive infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term security of their land.
Despite considerable efforts, environmentalists note that the project led to significant changes in the water systems. The transition between seawater and freshwater was still disrupted, which negatively impacted local flora and fauna. Furthermore, the lack of an open passage to the sea caused rivers to accumulate polluted sludge, creating additional ecological concerns.
The Delta Works have been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, cementing their place as a global benchmark for flood management systems.
Living Breakwaters (New York, USA)
After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, New York sought innovative ways to fortify its coastline. The Living Breakwaters project emerged as a standout solution. Located off Staten Island, this initiative combines flood protection with ecological restoration.
Using engineered oyster reefs, Living Breakwaters reduces wave energy, curbing coastal erosion. These structures not only protect but also breathe life into marine ecosystems, providing habitats for oysters, fish, and other marine species. The project integrates community engagement, educating locals about the role of natural systems in urban resilience.
Despite its promise, Living Breakwaters faces challenges in scaling its ecological benefits. Some critics question whether the restored oyster reefs will be robust enough to withstand future climate stressors, underscoring the delicate balance between natural restoration and engineering.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges and complexities, the benefits of these engineering marvels are undeniable. Most of them have already saved countless lives and prevented billions of dollars in damage. However, this is not a time to relax. As climate change intensifies and disasters become more frequent and destructive, the need for continuous innovation and improvement becomes ever more critical.
Equally important is the responsibility to ensure that these systems protect not only cities and citizens but also the delicate ecosystems they interact with, minimizing environmental harm. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes out to everyone contributing to these vital efforts.
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