China Submerged: Mapping Nightmare Sea Levels

Cartographer Jeffrey Linn has compiled maps of how coastal China would look under risen seas. Over 40 percent of the country's population lives in potentially affected regions.

1 minute read

May 30, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


China Flood

SFT HQ / Flickr

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), "If the current trajectory continues, as many scientists fear it will, the world's sea level will rise dramatically, submerging many of world's current coastlines under more than 200 feet of water."

Following up on his nightmare-scenario maps of Seattle, L.A., San Diego, Portland, and Vancouver under 200 feet of risen sea, cartographer Jeffrey Linn has done the same for coastal China. The article includes several of Linn's depictions, which viewers can scroll over to compare current topography with a submerged future. Some highlights:

  • Lowland Shanghai is completely submerged if all polar ice melted.
  • Hong Kong is no more, with only hillside developments remaining.
  • The Pearl River Delta, considered the world's largest megacity by some, is entirely hollowed out by water.

Monday, May 18, 2015 in China File

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star