21 Cities Labelled 'Most Susceptible' To Danger Of Climate Change Effects

Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - Twenty-one major cities are reported to be in most danger of rising sea levels, one of the effects of climate change.

A report released by the Worldwatch Institute announced that these cities are those most vulnerable, among a count of 33 cities predicted to have at least an 8-million population count by 2015.

According to the Associated Press, the list of cities included "Dhaka, Bangladesh; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Shanghai and Tianjin in China; Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt; Mumbai and Kolkata in India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Tokyo and Osaka-Kobe in Japan; Lagos, Nigeria; Karachi, Pakistan; Bangkok, Thailand, and New York and Los Angeles in the United States."

The cities that have been identified as "highly vulnerable" are New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Bangkok, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Cairo, Mumbai and Karachi, according to Australia's News.com

The AP also stated that according to experts low-level cities, which house a total of 10% of the world's population, are also put in the path of danger from climate change effects. In descending order, the places in most peril are China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Egypt, the U.S., Thailand, and the Philippines.

According to the report, "State of the World 2007: Our Urban Future", sea levels have risen by 9-20 cm within the last century, and scientists have predicted that this will continue with up to an 88-cm increase by 2100.

In examining the dangers posed by rising sea levels, Worldwatch Institute staff researcher Zoe Chafe explained that seemingly-small events must also be considered. She explained that natural disasters are now presenting themselves as frequent occurrences, and no longer "rare and unexpected tragedies," quoted News.com

Ms. Chafe added that these events "affect more people and cause higher economic damage than ever before." She also put out the reminder of planning ahead in order to avoid these disasters.

"This hinges on awareness, good governance and the empowerment of those who are at risk," she explained.