Many of the world’s most important urban areas are on coastlines or rivers, putting them at risk of rising sea levels. Rapid urbanisation and climate change are conspiring to make this threat more urgent. How can cities adapt to avoid catastrophe? 

The Economist’s Benjamin Sutherland explores how well new flood defences work in Venice and why Venetians are pondering raising the city’s foundations. Alizée Jean-Baptiste, The Economist’s Asia podcast producer, visits Jakarta, to investigate why Indonesia’s government is choosing to build an entirely new capital city, in a new location, in their attempt to adapt to future flooding. Plus, Catherine Brahic, our environment editor, explores the political and economic considerations needed to save cities. Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor, hosts.

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