Move Over Land, Sustainable Floating Cities Are the Future
If you’re tired of living on land, the ocean might be the place for you! Sustainable floating cities are the new trend that is gaining popularity, and for good reasons. Not only are they innovative, but they are also climate-friendly and offer a solution to the overcrowding in cities.
Photo Credit: Prototype by Oceanix BIG/Bjarke Ingels Group
What are sustainable floating cities?
A floating marine city may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but people have a long history of living on the water. From water homes in fishing villages in Southeast Asia, Peru, and Bolivia to modern floating homes in Canada and the Netherlands, many people have made a home on the water. However, the idea of sustainable floating cities is relatively new, and the UN-Habitat is discussing the possibility of these communities accommodating people fleeing from natural disasters due to climate change.
What are the benefits of floating cities?
Floating cities are designed to be climate-resilient environments that can withstand natural disasters like strong waves, floods, tsunamis, and hurricanes. They are also projected to cool down ocean temperatures by casting shadows on the surface of the water. These cities offer a safer environment for flood-stricken communities and can provide additional housing spaces as cities become overcrowded.
What do sustainable floating cities look like?
The proposed design of these floating cities is made up of several connected hexagonal platforms, each of which serves a role in sustainability. For instance, one platform would have submerged gardens for growing seafood, while another would store equipment for making saltwater drinkable. The inner platforms would include communal facilities like schools, gyms, stadiums, and hospitals. These cities would rely on renewable energy, with solar panels, devices to harness wave power, and organic waste generating most of its energy.
There are still some obstacles we need to tackle before sustainable floating cities can be a long-term and widespread solution. Research and technologies in the field are still working on the details of such an ambitious project, and the first versions will be cost-prohibitive to many people. But the exciting potential and progress are providing a lot of hope for a more climate-friendly future!
