By 2010 many seaside cities could look like New Orleans
Now that the shock of two major hurricanes has passed, I think it is time to seriously consider if we want to do this every year. According to the EPASea level is rising more rapidly along the U.S. coast than worldwide. Studies by EPA and others have estimated that along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, a one foot (30 cm) rise in sea level is likely by 2050. In the next century, a two foot rise is most likely, but a four foot rise is possible; |  |
Major port cities with low areas include Boston, New York, Charleston, Miami, and New Orleans. The average elevation of New Orleans is about 2 meters below sea level, and parts of Texas City, San Jose, and Long Beach, California are about one meter below sea level. Nationwide, about 5000 square miles of dry land are within two feet of high tide, 4000 of which are currently undeveloped.
There is plenty more in that report worth digesting. The main point I am trying to make is that not acting on global warming individually and as a nation is costlier in the long run. We can spend $60,000,000,000 to rebuild the Gulf area (and we should), but do we want to do it annually or each decade? We need leaders, Republican and Democrat that will stand up to energy companies and chart the course toward a sustainable energy future.
Where are the visionary leaders to offer more than "We can all pitch in," by avoiding going "on a trip that's not essential, that would be helpful."? Who will stand up for my yet un-conceived children and say that it is unacceptable for me to trash the place and leave them to pick up after me? Please Congress help me help them!
posted by Expat Teacher @ 2:20 PM
