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 short answer is: yes—but it’s complicated.
Let’s break down why it’s happening, what’s being done about it, and what it means for the city’s future.
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.
Wait—Is This Why the Flooding Was So Bad During Katrina?
Partly, yes. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, levee failures and sinking land contributed to the catastrophic flooding that displaced hundreds of thousands of residents and killed over 1,800 people. Areas that had sunk well below sea level flooded first—and stayed underwater longest.
And while levees have since been rebuilt and reinforced, many of them still rely on pumps, concrete, and hope—rather than the natural land-building forces that once protected the area.
Is Climate Change Making It Worse?
Absolutely. New Orleans isn’t just sinking—it’s also being swallowed by rising seas.
The Gulf of Mexico is creeping inland, and coastal Louisiana is losing about a football field of land every hour due to erosion and sea level rise. Warmer oceans also mean stronger hurricanes, which bring more storm surge to a city already sitting in a bowl.
So yes—subsidence + sea level rise + stronger storms = a triple threat.
What’s Being Done About It?
There are efforts—some ambitious, some frustratingly slow—to protect New Orleans:
• Coastal restoration projects aim to rebuild wetlands using river diversions and sediment pumping
• Green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavement helps reduce flooding
• The Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan promotes living with water instead of fighting it
• Pump stations and levee systems continue to be upgraded
But long-term protection still depends on massive investment, political will, and reversing decades of environmental damage.
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.
So, Is It Safe to Live or Visit New Orleans?
Yes—but with awareness.
Millions of people live in New Orleans every year, and tourism continues to boom. The city is adapting, but the threats are real. Locals are fighting to preserve their homes and history, while grassroots organizations, scientists, and city planners work on solutions.
New Orleans has always been a place of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention—and that spirit continues even as the ground shifts beneath it.
Related Reading on Big Easy Magazine:
• Who Really Wins When Developers Come to NOLA?
• Eco-friendly Living in New Orleans | Sustainability Tips
