In the face of escalating climate change and rising sea levels, a pioneering study led by Ghada Mohammad Elrayies, an architect and urban planner at Port Said University in Egypt, is challenging conventional urban planning and offering a bold vision for the future. Published in the journal “Sustainable Futures” (translated from Arabic), Elrayies’ research explores the potential of self-sufficient ocean settlements (SSOSs) as a solution to the impending threats of coastal inundation and resource scarcity.
As coastal cities around the world brace for the impacts of climate change, the idea of building on water is gaining traction. However, the gap between architectural proposals and marine engineering solutions has been a significant hurdle. Elrayies’ work aims to bridge this divide, providing a multidisciplinary framework for designing and implementing SSOSs.
“The ocean is not just a threat; it’s an opportunity,” Elrayies asserts. “It can provide renewable energy, carbon dioxide reservoirs, and a source of food production. We need to start thinking about the ocean as an asset for future generations.”
The study highlights several opportunities presented by SSOSs. The vast expanse of ocean water offers a reliable source of renewable energy, such as wind, wave, and solar power. Moreover, the ocean can serve as a carbon dioxide reservoir, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, SSOSs can address food security concerns by integrating aquaculture and vertical farming.
However, the path to realizing SSOSs is not without challenges. Elrayies identifies several key obstacles, including community acceptance, environmental impact, cost, and maritime governance. To address these challenges, the study provides recommendations for policymakers and researchers, emphasizing the need for a carbon-neutral vision and a multidisciplinary approach.
The energy sector stands to gain significantly from the development of SSOSs. The integration of marine renewable energies into these settlements could revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy. Moreover, the potential for carbon capture and storage in the ocean could provide a much-needed solution for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Elrayies’ research is a call to action for the scientific community, policymakers, and industry leaders. It challenges us to rethink our approach to urban planning and to consider the ocean as a viable solution to the challenges posed by climate change. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of a warming planet, the time to act is now.
The study, published in “Sustainable Futures,” offers a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with SSOSs. It provides a roadmap for future research and development, guiding us towards a more sustainable and resilient future. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in urban planning, Elrayies’ work serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward. The question is no longer if we should build on water, but how.