By Voice of America (Africa) | Created at 2024-09-24 14:49:27 | Updated at 2024-09-30 07:35:50
5 days ago
September 24, 2024 10:18 AM
Egypt’s second-largest city, Alexandria, lies in the Eastern Mediterranean, a top climate change hotspot that has dealt with record global air and ocean temperatures this year. Egypt-based photojournalist Hamada Elrasam presents scenes of everyday life that have been impacted by the changing climate phenomenon in the low-lying metropolis that has survived over two millennia, only to find itself on this century’s climate frontlines. Written in collaboration with Elle Kurancid.
1 Hundreds of beachgoers gather along Alexandria’s coast. The summer heat typically peaks in the city between June and August, but local residents and experts say this year’s season started earlier and is lingering longer. Alexandria, Egypt, Sept. 20, 2024.
2 Mohamed Abdrabo, head of the Alexandria Research Center for Adaptation to Climate Change, says, “When we talk about climate change, it’s everybody’s topic.” It won’t happen in the future, he says, it's happening now. Alexandria, Egypt, Sept. 19, 2024.
3 Saltwater intrusion caused by the rising sea level is an acute danger, says Mohamed Abdrabo, as it degrades bedrock, roots and infrastructure. But, he adds, “Everyone is focused on that Alexandria will drown in seawater.” Alexandria, Egypt, Sept. 21, 2024.
4 Tourists roam the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, a subterranean site known for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles, as well as being prone to groundwater intrusion and flooding from storms and sea-level rise. Alexandria, Egypt, Sept. 18, 2024.
