Alexandria, Egypt’s historic coastal city on the Mediterranean, faces a growing threat from sea level rise. Built on a narrow, low-lying strip of land, parts of the city are barely a meter above sea level, making it highly vulnerable to coastal flooding that threatens homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The city’s strategic location has long made it a cultural and economic hub, but rising seas are now endangering its future.
The Nile Delta, home to Alexandria, is a critical region for Egypt’s agriculture and biodiversity. Saltwater intrusion is contaminating freshwater supplies and eroding fertile soil, jeopardizing food production in a land that has sustained Egyptian civilizations for millennia. The delicate balance between wetland ecosystems, lagoons, and agricultural land is increasingly at risk, with impacts reverberating beyond local communities.
Alexandria’s economy, heavily reliant on its port, trade, tourism, and fisheries, is already feeling the strain. Disruptions from flooding or infrastructure damage could have national consequences, while historic sites, including Greco-Roman landmarks, are threatened by the encroaching sea, risking both cultural heritage and tourism revenue. Informal and low-lying neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable, where displacement, housing insecurity, and economic instability are on the rise, especially for poorer populations with limited means to adapt.
Studying sea level rise in Alexandria is vital for Egypt and the broader Mediterranean region, highlighting the difficulties of protecting ancient coastal cities with limited adaptive capacity. It underscores the pressing need for resilience, justice, and sustainable solutions to safeguard both cultural legacies and the livelihoods of millions.