According to a new geological study, the skyscrapers in New York City are so heavy, they’re causing the city to sink at a rate of between 1 and 2 millimetres per year.
While that rate might not seem like much, it comes at a time when sea levels are rising and hurricanes are stronger due to climate change, worsening the flooding threat.
The study, published in the “Earth’s Future” journal says the estimated combined weight of the buildings is approximately 1.7 trillion pounds.
NYC is home to over 8 million people, and the water surrounding it has risen about 22 centimetres in the last 73 years.
Researchers say Lower Manhattan is at a greater risk of sinking than most other areas, and parts of Brooklyn and Queens are also experiencing higher rates of sinking than other parts of New York City.
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