To respond to the threat of rising sea levels, the city of Busan, South Korea, unveiled a prototype of a sustainable and self-sufficient floating city. The city will be able to meet the needs of the population, who will still have to lend a hand.
The phenomenon of sea level rise poses a real risk to many coastal cities around the world. The recent IPCC report indicated that: “Sea level rise poses an existential threat to some small islands and low-lying coastlines”† Busan, a major port city located in the south of South Korea, aims to anticipate rising water levels by creating an autonomous and sustainable floating city† The first structure on the island will cover 6.3 hectares and will accommodate as many as 12,000 people. Over time and if necessary, it will be possible to obtain at least twenty “floating platforms”†
The floating city, OCEANIX Busan (named after the project’s partner company), wants a revolutionary level of technology so that the city can meet its needs. Food, energy and drinking water are produced on site. But beware, everyone will have to get their hands dirty. A form of collective responsibility in the face of the climate threat.
World’s first prototype floating city will adapt to sea level rise https://t.co/KDuN5pR0jV
— OCEANIX (@OceanixCity) Apr 28, 2022
Contributing to a Common Agricultural System
Each resident will have to extract and treat their own supply of water. For food, in a sustainable agricultural approach, all citizens must contribute to the urban farming system. Finally, the energy required to power an entire city is significant. The idea of the architects of the project is to set up a system of floating photovoltaic panels and on the roofs of houses.
Overall, the climate threat in all its forms could quickly pose major problems in Busan. The rise in temperature at peaks is accompanied by the rise in sea level. The buildings that are built will have to be able to respond to flooding.
“Today is a critical milestone for all coastal cities and island nations on the frontlines of climate changecertified Philipp Hofmann, CEO of OCEANIX. We are on track to deliver OCEANIX Busan and demonstrate that floating infrastructure can create new land for coastal cities seeking sustainable ways to expand in the ocean, while adapting to sea level rise.”
Finally, the city of Busan has an ambitious and ecological approach. Mayor Park Heong-Joon has drawn up a long-term plan to turn Busan into a smart and green city† She recently made a bid for the 2030 World’s Fair.
(ETX Daily Up)