Resilient Economies Strategies for Sinking Cities and Flood Risks 2025

As urban land subsidence intensifies alongside the global climate crisis, the need for collective, multistakeholder action has never been greater. Despite its significant impacts – from increased flooding, infrastructure damage, social displacement and public health concerns – subsidence remains underrepresented in policy agendas and corporate risk frameworks. However,evidence and action taken by several cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Jakarta and Rotterdam, as well as insights from leading experts, suggest that meaningful progress is possible when there is clear intent, sustained commitment and informed leadership. Historically, responses to subsidence have been largely reactive, centred on crisis management rather than building immediate and long-term resilience. To break this cycle, leaders across the public and private sectors must collaborate to develop and implement sustainable, forward-looking strategies. Success will require ongoing dialogue, consensus-building and coordinated, cohesive action among diverse stakeholders. A fundamental shift in mindset is needed – one that recognizes land, water and other natural resources as central to economic, social and environmental stability and well-being. We must realize the importance of cooperation and looking at the root cause of issues holistically. Ecosystems are interconnected and a remediation programme may have detrimental impacts to other areas downstream. Devin Yaung, Senior Vice-President, Group Entreprise IoT Products and Services, NTT3.1 Is a mindset shift needed to make progress? Key drivers for addressing sinking cities and associated risks FIGURE 9 Drivers for progressEvidence-based Governance and leadership Adaptation and resiliencePrevention and mitigationSystems thinkingValue land and water decisions Resilient Economies: Strategies for Sinking Cities and Flood Risks 31