Buổi 40: Writing Task 2 – Problem & solution: thành phố ven biển & nước biển dâng

As sea levels continue to rise, many of the world's coastal cities face a growing threat to their homes, economies and infrastructure. This essay will argue that the most serious problems are increasingly frequent flooding and the damage it causes to vulnerable communities, and that these can best be addressed through a combination of immediate protection and long-term planning.

The most visible problem is flooding. Even a modest rise in sea level allows storm surges to reach further inland, which means that areas once flooded only during exceptional storms may now be affected several times a year. Each event damages homes, roads and electricity networks, and the cost of repeated repairs places a heavy burden on city budgets. A less obvious but equally serious consequence is saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate groundwater and farmland around the city, threatening both drinking water and local food supplies. These effects are rarely shared equally. Low-income residents often live in the most exposed areas and are least able to afford insurance or relocation, so rising seas can deepen existing inequalities.

Several measures could reduce these problems. In the short term, cities can invest in early-warning systems and clear evacuation plans, which are relatively cheap and can save lives. Physical defences such as sea walls offer stronger protection, although they are expensive to build and maintain and may divert water towards unprotected neighbourhoods. A complementary approach is to restore natural barriers, such as mangroves and wetlands, which absorb wave energy while also supporting wildlife. In the long term, however, planners may need to accept that some areas cannot be defended indefinitely. Gradually moving homes and essential services away from the most vulnerable zones is controversial, but if it is planned fairly and early, it is likely to be less disruptive than forced evacuations after a disaster.

In conclusion, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities through flooding, contamination and widening inequality. A balanced response combining early warnings, engineered and natural defences, and carefully planned relocation offers the best chance of protecting both people and economies.

Risk assessment summary – Warehouse B, rainy season

Main hazard: flooding of the ground-floor storage area during heavy rain. Staff and stock could be affected; likelihood is moderate and impact high. Existing controls include sandbags and a weekly drain check. Additional actions: raise high-value stock onto 30 cm pallets (Long, by 5 December); install a water-level alarm (Facilities, by 15 December); add flood procedures to the induction briefing (HR, by January).