Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. Built along the Arabian Sea, the city sits barely above sea level, making it susceptible to tidal flooding, storm surges, and the gradual encroachment of the sea. As monsoon rains overwhelm drainage systems, the risk of chronic urban flooding grows, affecting daily life for millions. Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, already strained by urban development, face further degradation, worsening the impacts of future climate events.
The city’s economic engine, home to major financial institutions and ports, is heavily impacted by flooding, with infrastructure damage and commerce disruptions leading to significant losses. Informal workers, a large part of the urban economy, are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the means to recover from these disruptions. Low-income communities living in high-risk areas face not only displacement but also the erosion of livelihoods and health risks as sea levels rise, with limited resources for adaptation.
Addressing sea level rise in Mumbai is critical for the city’s resilience and the broader Indian economy, demanding urgent attention and a comprehensive approach to planning and governance.