Yakov Libshitz, head of hydrogeology at the Water Authority, has urged planners and stakeholders in urban development to address the issue of rising groundwater driven by climate change, particularly in underground parking lots in Tel Aviv. Rising sea levels, exacerbated by melting ice caps, are impacting Israel more swiftly than average global rates. The Israel Marine and Limnological Institute has recorded an annual increase in sea levels of 4.6 mm, outpacing the global average.
Libshitz’s report outlines the projected effects of rising sea levels on groundwater levels and urban flooding. He indicates that without proper planning, rising groundwater could damage urban infrastructure, worsen flooding, and compromise structural stability. He has proposed creating a 3D map to identify potential hazards, although his request has not yet been fulfilled. Current intervention measures include pumps installed in affected parking garages to mitigate flooding.
While some instances of groundwater intrusion result from subpar construction, Libshitz stresses the importance of preparation to avoid future complications. He believes there is time to address these issues, contrasting them with more urgent concerns like security threats.
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