And what can be done about it?
Sea level rise is one of the more catastrophic impacts of climate change. The EPA predicts that up to $106 billion worth of coastal property will be underwater by 2050.
Between 2050 and 2100, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that sea levels will rise between one and seven feet, depending upon how much we reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
There are four main contributors to sea level rise:
- Water entering the oceans from melting glaciers and land-based ice sheets. This has been the biggest cause of sea level rise.
- Increase in water volume due to increasing water temperature. Water increases involume as temperature rises, and the amount of increase per degree grows as the temperature rises. This has been the second biggest cause of sea level rise.
- Changes in lake levels and underground aquifers. The water that is removed from aquifers and lakes eventually ends up in the oceans. Large storms which fill reservoirs and lakes can increase lake levels, causing a temporary drop in sea level.
- Changes in land elevation. Due to shifts in the tectonic plates, land on the west coast is rising and land on the east coast is falling. Removing a large amount of water from wells can also cause the land to drop.
The sea level rise values are calculated based on sea levels around the world. There are large variations within the continental U.S. due to the impacts from water temperature and land elevation.
NOAA predicts that the average sea level rise by 2050 will be 10 to 12 inches. Predictions per region, are 10 to 14 inches of rise on the east coast, 4 to 8 inches on the west coast, and 14 to 18 inches on the Gulf Coast.
The Gulf Coast states especially could see devastating impacts from sea level rise. A study by Cornell and Florida State University predicts that Florida will lose $619 billion worth of real estate by 2100.
We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now to minimize these impacts.
Here are some things we can do:
- Transition away from natural gas and oil.
- Install solar panels.
- Buy or lease an electric vehicle for your next car.
- Buy battery-powered lawn and garden equipment.
by Bruce Saller
GUEST WRITER
