As catastrophe looms, no one remembers Alexandria

Egypt Independent

3 days ago

In 1996, acclaimed novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid published, 'No One Sleeps in Alexandria,' which explored the relationships between local residents and migrants from the Delta and Upper Egypt during World War II.
A similar title, 'No One Remembers Alexandria,' came to my mind after the city was hit by an unprecedented storm a few days ago, bringing torrential thunderstorms, snowfall, and strong winds.
Over the past years, scientific warnings have consistently indicated that Alexandria is vulnerable to sinking, and the signs have already begun to appear.
Yet, life proceeds normally, as if nothing is happening, until a severe storm finally does hit. Only then does everyone rush to speak out and issue warnings.
During the COP27 Climate Change Conference, hosted in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022, climate scientists and global politicians, including then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, sounded the alarm that global cities, including Alexandria, face submersion if serious and swift action isn't taken.
However, the severity of these warnings were downplayed to avoid public panic. A general feeling prevailed that things were under control and that plans were in place to address the issue.
Just days ago, the Spanish newspaper 'El País' published a report quoting Egyptian experts who confirmed that despite scientific studies affirming rising sea levels, most Egyptians, especially in Alexandria, remain skeptical.
Researchers stated that the changes are too gradual for the average citizen to notice, hence the lack of public engagement.
Egyptian studies indicate that the sea level is rising by an average of 1.5 millimeters annually, while the land beneath Alexandria is sinking by a millimeter to a millimeter and a half each year. People don't notice this, and as such, they don't seem concerned.
There's a strong focus on the present, with the future often left 'in God's hands.' The Spanish newspaper's report indicates that many Egyptians believe 'someone' will handle the issue when the time comes.
I fear that if we continue to act this way, no one, no matter how capable or brilliant, will be able to manage the situation.
The problem is no longer limited to severe winter storms and heavy summer heat. A scientific study published in the journal Earth's Future in February revealed a connection between housing collapses in Alexandria and climate change.
We used to think collapses were solely due to unlicensed construction, contractor fraud, poor maintenance, and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
However, while these issues occur in most Egyptian cities, property doesn't collapse at the same rate as in Alexandria.
The study analyzed the reasons for 280 building collapses between 2001 and 2021, concluding that collapses are increasing and are linked to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels. It also warned that 7,000 buildings in the city are at risk.
The danger lies in the 'official and popular consensus' to downplay, or even deny, the impacts of climate change. Another study, involving interviews with 100 residents of the Al-Mex area, which is highly vulnerable to these changes, found that 90 percent have no plans to leave the area if negative developments occur. Only a small minority believe rising sea levels pose a threat.
Seriousness is lacking, unfortunately. The majority are asleep regarding climate change in Alexandria.
Author's bio
Abdel Allah Abdel Salam is the managing editor at Al-Ahram newspaper where he writes a daily column titled 'New Horizon'. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University (1987).
He began his journalistic career at Al-Wafd newspaper, then moved to the Middle East News Agency, before settling at Al-Ahram newspaper in June 1991. He founded the Al-Ahram electronic portal and served as its editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2013.
He held the position of executive editor-in-chief of the Al-Masry Al-Youm website in 2013.
Salam has also worked as managing editor of the Al Ain (UAE) portal in 2016, and managing editor of the 'Al-Watan' (Egyptian) newspaper's website in 2017.