Ep 2. Tokyo

In episode 2 of Sinking Cities season 1, viewers are taken to the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. Despite being an economic powerhouse and technological giant, Tokyo faces a grave threat from rising sea levels and sinking land.

The episode starts off by showcasing Tokyo's history of land reclamation, an act of reclaiming land from the sea. Over the years, this process has caused the city's land to sink by up to four meters, making it highly vulnerable to floods during typhoons and heavy rainfall.

Viewers are introduced to the city's innovative approach towards tackling the imminent threat of rising sea levels. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has invested heavily in underground water storage tanks that hold excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing it from entering the streets and causing floods.

The episode also highlights how the city's urban planning has been shaped by the threat of flooding. Architects and engineers have incorporated flood-resistant features into buildings and infrastructure, such as elevated pathways and flood gates that prevent water from flowing into the streets.

Viewers are given a glimpse into the city's complex network of waterways and drainage systems, which are all interconnected and necessary for the city's survival. The episode also sheds light on the concerns of experts that climate change could disrupt this intricate network, leading to catastrophic consequences for Tokyo.

The show also highlights the importance of public awareness and participation in mitigating the effects of climate change. The episode showcases how Tokyo citizens have played an active role in reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices, such as using bicycles instead of cars.

The episode also touches upon the economic implications of climate change for Tokyo. With its high population density and concentration of economic activity, Tokyo is vulnerable to widespread damage in the event of a catastrophic natural disaster. The government has emphasized the need for businesses and infrastructure to be resilient to climate change, in order to ensure the city's economic survival.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of Tokyo's approach towards battling the impacts of climate change. From innovative infrastructure to public participation, Tokyo has adopted a multi-faceted approach to tackle the challenge of rising sea levels and sinking land. Despite being a leader in smart infrastructure and technology, Tokyo is not immune to the effects of climate change, and the city's future hangs in the balance.