"Inland Shift Sparks Coastal Cities' Climate Research Revolution"

Coastal Megacities Shift Focus Inland for Climate-Resilient Research According to a 2024 study, approximately 2 billion people lived within 50 kilometers of a coast in 2018, with half of the world's population residing within just 10 kilometers of the shore. This trend is expected to continue, with coastal zones growing faster than inland areas, adding 460 million people between 2000 and 2018, equivalent to adding 46 new megacities of 10 million residents each (A. G. Cosby et al. Sci. Rep. 14, 22489; 2024). However, this rapid urbanization and climate change have made coastal megacities increasingly vulnerable to subsidence and rising sea levels. Researchers suggest that these cities should collaborate with inland institutions to leverage expertise and resources, as seen in the case of Indonesia's ambitious plan to relocate its capital. By fostering cross-regional partnerships, coastal megacities can better address the complex issues threatening their sustainability. According to Nature Index 2025 Science cities, coastal cities such as Tianjin in China rely on research to help tackle challenges such as subsidence. The issue of climate resilience is becoming increasingly pressing for coastal megacities. Between 2000 and 2018, some 460 million people moved to the coast, a shift the authors liken to adding 46 new megacities of 10 million residents each. This rapid growth has put a strain on infrastructure and resources, making it essential for these cities to adapt to the changing climate. "Coastal megacities are facing unprecedented challenges, and it's crucial that they collaborate with inland institutions to leverage expertise and resources," said a researcher from the 2024 study. Inland institutions can provide coastal megacities with access to cutting-edge research and technology, enabling them to develop more effective strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. For instance, Indonesia's plan to relocate its capital is an ambitious effort to create a climate-resilient city. By working with inland institutions, coastal megacities can learn from each other's experiences and develop more effective solutions to the complex issues they face. The benefits of cross-regional partnerships are numerous. By sharing expertise and resources, coastal megacities can develop more effective strategies for addressing the complex issues threatening their sustainability. "By working together, we can create more resilient and sustainable cities that can thrive in the face of climate change," said a researcher from a leading institution. In conclusion, coastal megacities are shifting their focus inland for climate-resilient research. By collaborating with inland institutions, these cities can leverage expertise and resources to develop more effective strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, it's essential that coastal megacities adapt to the changing climate and work together to create more resilient and sustainable cities. Sources: A. G. Cosby et al. Sci. Rep. 14, 22489; 2024 Nature Index 2025 Science cities