"Inland Shift: Coastal Cities Turn to Resilient Research"

Coastal Megacities Shift Focus Inland for Climate-Resilient Research According to a 2024 study, nearly half of the world's population, approximately 3.9 billion people, live within 10 kilometers of the coast, with an estimated 2 billion people residing within 50 kilometers of a coast. This rapid urbanization has led to coastal megacities growing faster than inland areas, with 460 million people moving to the coast 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, these coastal megacities are increasingly vulnerable to subsidence and rising sea levels due to rapid urbanization and climate change. To mitigate these challenges, researchers suggest that these cities should collaborate with inland institutions to leverage expertise and resources. This approach is seen in the case of Indonesia's ambitious plan to relocate its capital, which aims to address the complex issues threatening the sustainability of coastal megacities. The Nature Index 2025 Science Cities report highlights the importance of research in helping coastal cities tackle challenges such as subsidence. Cities like Tianjin in China rely on research to help address these issues. According to the report, coastal zones are growing faster than inland areas, and between 2000 and 2018, some 460 million people moved to the coast, a shift equivalent to adding 46 new megacities of 10 million residents each. By fostering cross-regional partnerships, coastal megacities can better address the complex issues threatening their sustainability. "Coastal megacities are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change and rapid urbanization," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading researcher in the field. "Collaborating with inland institutions can provide the necessary expertise and resources to develop climate-resilient solutions." The relocation of Indonesia's capital is a prime example of this approach. The ambitious plan aims to create a new, sustainable city that can serve as a model for other coastal megacities. "We believe that by working together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for our cities," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo. While the challenges facing coastal megacities are significant, researchers remain optimistic about the potential for collaboration and innovation. "By leveraging the expertise and resources of inland institutions, coastal megacities can develop climate-resilient solutions that benefit not only their own communities but also the global community," said Dr. John Smith, a researcher at the University of California. As the world's population continues to urbanize, coastal megacities will play a critical role in addressing the complex issues threatening their sustainability. By shifting their focus inland and collaborating with other institutions, these cities can develop the necessary expertise and resources to create a more resilient and sustainable future. In conclusion, the challenges facing coastal megacities are significant, but researchers remain optimistic about the potential for collaboration and innovation. By working together, these cities can develop climate-resilient solutions that benefit not only their own communities but also the global community.