Modular Floating Cities for Climate Refugees

Abstract

Rapid rate of land sea-level shift due to the climatic changes over the globe has made millions of coastal and island dwellers susceptible to eviction and permanent loss of an area. Modular floating cities are the daring and innovative alternative that mitigates climate-related displacement since traditional approaches to solve this problem such as land-based relocations are reaching their limits because of political, environmental, and spatial constraints. This research concerns the possibility of the modular, self-sufficient floating city creating the housing capacity of climate refugees, creating ecological balance, socio-economic inclusion, and technological flexibility. The article combines the foundations of the coastal vulnerability mapping with the assistance of GIS tools, examines prototype projects, like Oceanix City and Seasteading initiatives, as well as evaluates the idea of the deployment of the modular floating settlement in hazardous regions, such as the Maldives, the Sundarbans, and the Mekong Delta. In this study, it was found feasible to support climate-resilient urban planning at sea by measuring structural engineering considerations, integrating renewable energy sources, means of freshwater production, managing waste, and community governance patterns. The research findings reinforce the idea that with the design having flexibility, equity, and sustainability, modular floating cities can not only promise safe shelter but also successful self-sufficient communities to the climate refugees. In this paper, I hope to add to the debate being had globally on climate justice and sustainable development as well as implications of the imminent and fast increasing warming of the world on habitable infrastructure.