Rising Sea Level

The Sea is Rising!

We are at risk of a catastrophic rise in the sea level, having the ability to wipe out coastlines and cause irreversible side effects. Illustrated above shows Dr. James Hansen’s sea level rise predictions. Hansen has concluded through research that the sea level is no longer rising in a linear pattern, as it once was, but exponentially with a 10 year doubling.

The greatest threat we are faced with in regards to the sea level rising, is the melting of the ice caps and Greenland ice sheets, and of course global warming. Global warming is the core problem of most if not all environmental issues we are currently facing, as the amount of heat trapping gases in our atmosphere is causing the oceans to heat up and cause icebergs/sheets to melt more quickly and the water to expand.

With the total meltdown of the ice sheets it would result in a 23 foot rise in the sea level, being enough to submerge coastal citiesLondon and Los Angeles.

Another serious threat that comes along with the sea level rise, is the increase in ferocious storms that will follow. We know this because winter storms are powered by the temperature differences between the north and south poles, and the equator, so with the bizarre climate differences and changes we have already experienced, it is no doubt that we will be facing storms of unpredicted ferocity and occurrences. Below is a link to an article with comparisons between the sea level rise and recent storms like the tornadoes in Georgia, as well as hurricane Katrina.

http://www.ready.ga.gov/Press/Press-Releases/Preparation-is-Key-to-Surviving-Violent-Unpredictable-Storms

With the rising sea it is crucial that we begin to make the consequences aware to the public and that we begin to make changes in our lifestyle.

Major consequences include: extermination of species and habitats, flooding and destruction of coastal cities, people forced to move inland, and destruction of military, energy, and commercial assets.

Major causes include: burning of fossil fuels and other natural human activities, thermo-expansion, thinning of the ozone layer (global warming), and the warming oceans causing glacier sheets to melt and seep within the glacier’s and break other sheets off. (below are several risks and causes)

http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/impacts/causes-of-sea-level-rise.html

Solutions

The only effective solution is to reduce our carbon foot print and reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Simply was we can reduce our carbon footprint are recycling, composting, plant a tree, use rechargeable batteries, or simply purchase recycled products. The best way to stop the sea level from rising immensely is to reduce our carbon emissions and go green.

Other extreme solutions include constructing floating ecosystems/cities, elevating homes, or even sending mirrors to space to reflect light and help reduce the amount of solar energy entering our atmosphere.

http://www.spur.org/publications/library/report/strategiesformanagingsealevelrise_110109