Rising sea levels and severe storms have began threatening coastlines across the world and Cape Town is no exception.
Research has indicated that by 2050, coastal tourism, an important field in the economy of the city, will be seriously affected.
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As a result of rising sea levels, the V&A Waterfront’s Cape Wheel, recently relocated closer to the seaboard, may face potential threat in the future.
The tourist attraction is thereby being forced to make provision for the short and long-term impacts of the impending sea level rise, this includes preparation for the threat to coastal tourism.
Data has showcased that the sea level rise will become a more prominent threat to both the Waterfront and Cape Town at large in the years following 2050.
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A study conducted by UCT’S African Centre for Cities and the Stockholm Environment Institute and partner institutions in collaboration with the City of Cape Town, stated that there are three reasons why oceans have become greater potential risks.
The study, titled ‘Cape of Storms’, undertook an exploration of ways to manage changing coastal risks in Cape Town.
Firstly, temperature increases in the ocean causes swelling which results in the rise of sea levels.
Secondly, the melting of ice masses in areas such as Greenland and Antarctica, adds more water to the ocean which further allows for the rise of sea levels.
Lastly, storms have increased in severity and the coastline is impacted more harshly. This effect is worsened in time periods where these storms occur simultaneously to spring tides, when the natural high tide peaks.
The above-mentioned factors in totality result in significant coastal damage.
This leaves the V&A Waterfront in a position where it has to prepare for both the rising sea levels and the increasing effects of severe storms.
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The communications manager for the Waterfront, Donald Kau, stated that the mall’s coastline is not specifically under threat of sea level rise in the short-term, but is has experienced tidal erosion on the seafront and as such, the existing coastal protection has been routinely reinforced.
Kau went on to say that their urban planning has extensively considered the potential impact of projected sea level rises and new developments will be constructed in accordance for future protection.
In order to implement long term solutions, the V&A has applied thorough environmental impact studies around Granger Bay to increase coastal protection in the form of rock armour revetment and other coastal protection measures to reinforce existing protections.
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The impending sea level rise is cause for concern, specifically, for the floating jetties, boats and ships tied alongside the Waterfront as well as for the commercial facilities such as the Cape Wheel, reports the DailyMaverick.
Sea level rise has become known as the ‘supertanker’ of climate change as ocean levels will continue to rise as the ocean continually absorbs excess heat which causes swelling.
This will be the case regardless of the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
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Picture: Nico Smit / Unsplash
