What in the World - Why are some cities sinking?

Dozens of coastal cities — from Jakarta to Manila — are sinking at a worrying speed. Climate change, too much water being pumped out of the ground for drinking and the type of land cities are built on all contribute to the problem. But people around the world are coming up with innovative ways to tackle this.

Aghnia Adzkia, a BBC journalist based in Jakarta, shares why Indonesia’s capital is particularly vulnerable, and how people there are trying to protect themselves. BBC climate correspondent Georgina Rannard explains the link between climate change and rising sea levels. And we hear from people helping their local communities to adapt, such as architect Kunlé Adeyemi, who designed a floating school in Lagos.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Chelsea Coates, Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya
Video Journalist: Adam Chowdhury and Jem Westgate
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.

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