Editor’s note: The article has been updated to reflect current developments.
New Orleans is one of the most dynamic, culturally rich cities in the world. But beneath the music, food, and celebration lies a sobering question that’s been asked more and more in recent years:
Is New Orleans really sinking?
The answer is yes. And, like so much else in this place, it’s not simple.
Why Is New Orleans Sinking?
New Orleans is built on soft, marshy land formed by centuries of Mississippi River sediment. Over time, that land naturally compresses and sinks, a process called subsidence. But it’s not just nature at work here—human intervention has made it worse.
Historically, the Mississippi River flooded regularly, depositing fresh sediment that helped rebuild the land. But in the 20th century, levees and canals were built to protect the city and control the river. While that prevented flooding, it also cut off the natural process that kept New Orleans afloat—literally.
As a result, the city began to sink faster than it could rebuild itself.
How Fast Is It Sinking?
According to NASA and Tulane researchers, New Orleans is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per year in some areas, and even faster in others. In places like the Lower Ninth Ward and parts of Mid-City, the land has dropped several feet since the 1930s.
Some parts of the city are already 5 to 10 feet below sea level. Add rising sea levels due to climate change, and you’ve got a dangerous mix.
Did That Make Katrina Worse?
It did. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the sinking ground made the devastation worse. Levee failures were catastrophic, but the land itself was also part of the story. The neighborhoods that had sunk the furthest were the first to flood—and the last to dry out.
Levees have been rebuilt and reinforced since then, but much of the system still depends on pumps, concrete, and human engineering, not the natural forces that once kept the city above water.
Is Climate Change Adding to the Problem?
Absolutely. New Orleans isn’t just sinking; it’s also facing rising seas.
The Gulf of Mexico is pushing further inland, and Louisiana is losing about a football field of land every hour to erosion and sea level rise. Warmer oceans also fuel stronger hurricanes, bringing higher storm surges to a city that already feels like it’s sitting in a bowl.
It’s a dangerous combination, and it’s getting worse.
What’s Being Done About It?
Efforts are underway, though challenges remain.
One of the most ambitious projects is the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, designed to redirect sediment-rich water from the Mississippi River to rebuild wetlands. However, the project has faced delays and controversies, including a recent 90-day pause ordered by Governor Jeff Landry over concerns about costs and potential impacts on fisheries.
Despite this, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) continues to advance coastal restoration. As of May 2025, there are 106 active projects focusing on hurricane protection, marsh creation, and ecosystem restoration. Notably, the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation project is 80% complete and aims to restore 3,100 acres of marshland.
Additionally, the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp Project seeks to revitalize over 45,000 acres of swamp between New Orleans and Baton Rouge by reconnecting it with the Mississippi River. This $330 million initiative has garnered widespread support and is funded through a combination of Deepwater Horizon settlement funds and state resources.
What Does This Mean for People Living Here?
For residents of New Orleans—especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods—the risk is real. Flood insurance rates are rising. Homes are settling. Insurance companies are pulling out. And many communities that were hardest hit by Katrina still carry the trauma of being left behind.
Yet, despite it all, the city continues to fight—and thrive.
Is It Still Safe to Live or Visit New Orleans?
It is. But anyone living here, or even visiting, should understand the risks.
New Orleans is home to more than a million people. Tourists still flock to the city. Locals are adapting and demanding action, while scientists, city leaders, and grassroots organizations push for solutions that will make the city safer for generations to come.
Resilience has always been part of New Orleans’ identity. That spirit isn’t going anywhere, even as the ground beneath it keeps shifting.
Related Reading on Big Easy Magazine:
• Who Really Wins When Developers Come to NOLA?
• Eco-friendly Living in New Orleans | Sustainability Tips
