Sabratha, a coastal city in northwestern Libya and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant risks from sea level rise. Known for its Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and temples near the shoreline, the city’s cultural legacy is intertwined with its vulnerable coastal geography. Rising seas threaten this heritage through coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and storm surges, jeopardizing both the ancient sites and the surrounding environment.
The region’s coastal ecosystems are already showing signs of stress. Loss of beaches, land submersion, and saltwater contamination are affecting agricultural areas and freshwater aquifers, exacerbated by the semi-arid climate that makes adaptation more challenging. These environmental pressures are pushing local ecosystems beyond their capacity to recover.
Economically, Sabratha relies on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, but sea level rise exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Saltwater damage to crops, coastal erosion affecting infrastructure, and the deterioration of archaeological sites threaten both livelihoods and the city’s tourism-driven potential. The effects of past conflict further complicate recovery efforts.
Socially, the community faces compounded instability. Limited resources for adaptation and governance challenges hinder effective climate action. As rising seas push populations inland, migration options are constrained, adding to the socio-political stress in the region.
Studying sea level rise in Sabratha highlights the urgent need for integrating climate science with cultural preservation and conflict-sensitive development. Protecting this ancient city requires international cooperation and sustainable planning to safeguard both its heritage and the livelihoods of its people.