The Effects of Rising Sea Levels to the World

The Effect of Rising Sea Levels on the Gulf Coast

Reports have recently indicated a worrying trend that has exposed the vast and extensive effects of rising sea levels, especially on the gulf coast. While there are global efforts to mitigate this worrying trend, it is as well projected that these effects will continue to affect coastal regions considering the fact that there has been a significant rise in populations occupying these coastal regions. We delve into the drastic effects of rising sea levels on the gulf coast and what it means.

The rising sea level on the gulf coast

Over the last few decades, the gulf coast has witnessed the direct implications of having the world’s water levels rise majorly due to global warming. Atmospheric temperatures, as well as the rising temperatures of the world’s core, have inevitably caused arctic ice to melt and subsequently raise the sea levels. This has triggered a chain reaction that has not only brought catastrophic damages to millions of people settling around the gulf coast but has as well negatively impacted the marine ecosystem.

What can be done about it?

There has been a global concern regarding the long-term consequences of rising sea levels on the gulf coast. This has necessitated the various efforts undertaken by the relevant authorities, governments, and even lawyers worldwide to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels while ensuring no further damage. These efforts include both artificial and natural solutions that help protect marine life while as well shielding populations from these effects. One artificial way this is being done is by creating a physical barrier that serves to protect coastline inhabitants from rising sea levels and the damaging nature of its long-term impact.

Counteracting the effects of rising sea levels on the gulf coast helps prevent natural catastrophes such as flooding and damaging erosion, which affect both human livelihoods in their millions as well as marine life in its sustained existence. Human and marine life exists on a correlation basis where marine life sustains the natural resources it provides. In contrast, humans play their part in helping protect these resources from depletion or damage. This allows this correlation to yield generational benefits, such as economic benefits, which are realized within and beyond the gulf coast. 

Its effects the rest of the world

The large and growing population around the gulf coast is testimony to the importance this region has to the rest of the world. Millions of people have built their entire livelihoods around what the gulf coast has to offer economically. This does damage to these regions of a significant impact on the rest of the world as its profound economic value contributes an immeasurable chunk to the world’s economy at large.

Conclusion

Rising sea levels on the gulf coast is a huge concern to the long-term well-being of the earth’s future and its inhabitants. Constant and sustained efforts to mitigate its impact are both necessary and vital if the adverse consequences that come with it are to be kept at an absolute minimum.   

The Effect of Rising Sea Levels on the Gulf Coast

Sea levels have been alarmingly rising over the last couple of decades. This has been largely due to the noticeably growing effects of global warming. Studies have indicated that global warming has been on the rise significantly owing to the profound effects of human activity. As a result of sea levels rising exponentially, there have been adverse and devastating consequences that have been felt across the gulf coast, triggering the urgent need for global action to mitigate this growing situation. We take a look at the effect of rising sea levels on the gulf coast.

Why is the sea level rising?

The current conversation around climate change has brought to light the profound consequences that have gradually been experienced worldwide. Extreme climatic conditions such as irregular rain patterns and unpredictable winds sweeping across oceans and continents have had an immeasurable impact on nature’s dynamics. Global warming is one phenomenon that has threatened to cause extensive and adverse effects on sea levels, steadily engulfing entire land masses along the gulf coast.

Rising temperatures within both the earth’s atmosphere and its core have inevitably caused ice caps in the Antarctic to gradually melt into the oceans and subsequently cause sea levels to rise significantly. This has seen some major implications caused by flooding and erosion around coastal regions as a result of the rising sea levels. It is estimated, for instance, that at the current rate of global warming, sea levels along the gulf coast are projected to rise by up to 1 meter by 2030, depending on the average temperature of global warming consistently maintained during this period. Below are some of the effects of rising sea levels;

Floods and erosion

One of the direct impacts of rising sea levels would be the increased flooding and erosion being witnessed along the gulf coast. This is further enhanced by the constantly growing inhabitation of coastal regions, which ends up in congestion and subsequent loss of coastal habitats that would otherwise provide much-needed natural shoreline protection. Sustained erosion over the last few decades has seen the loss of massive land masses that wash away into the sea while, in the process damaging productive land that could be used for economic activity. 

Disrupted marine life

Rising sea levels have seen a significant disruption of marine life along the gulf coast thanks to the destruction of coastal habitats that provide a natural ecosystem for the various species inhabiting the gulf coast. Coastal activities such as fishing have been profoundly affected by factors such as the encroachment of destructive and invasive species that have brought down the economic value of the gulf coast due to rising sea levels.

Conclusion

While there are deliberate global efforts to counteract the effects of rising sea levels, its effects are undeniable, and for as long as these efforts are still overwhelmed by human activities that contribute to global warming, sea levels are projected to keep rising along with its adverse effects to the human population.

Tougher fuel-efficiency standards for cars

Earlier this year, President Obama urged the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to come up with new rules to curb greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The rules would cut the output of heat-trapping carbon dioxide by 24 percent by 2027. They would also cut oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels by the end of the program.

The EPA’s proposal would increase fleet-wide average fuel economy by 12 miles per gallon by 2026. It would also prevent 3.1 billion tons of climate-warming carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere through 2050.

The Environmental Protection Agency is set to announce new fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks. The new standards would increase fuel efficiency by 8% annually for model years 2024-2026. The new rules will also cut fuel consumption by 12 billion gallons and will save Americans $470 billion in fuel costs by midcentury.

Taxing corporations based on carbon emissions they produce

Putting a price on carbon is an essential component of addressing climate change. The price is a signal to consumers to switch to cleaner energy. The price is also an incentive for polluters to reduce their emissions.

The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme is the largest carbon pricing initiative in the world. It covers 40% of EU greenhouse gas emissions. Some countries, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden, have imposed their own carbon taxes.

Other countries, including Kazakhstan and South Africa, have recently introduced an ETS. Some states and cities have regional programs to charge fees for emissions. These programs may not be enough to solve the climate change challenge. But putting a price on carbon could help the United States move toward a green economy.

Planting native flowers and herbs

Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned pro, you have probably heard about planting native flowers and herbs to fix climate change. These plants not only provide great aesthetic value but also boost the local ecology. For instance, some of these plants provide a food source for birds, insects, and even native hummingbirds. They also are less prone to pests.

The best time to plant natives in North Carolina is during the fall. Depending on the climate, you may also want to consider planting low-growing plants under taller ones. If you don’t have the room for a large planting, you can create a more natural looking landscape by clustering vegetation.

While you are at it, don’t forget to make a seed ball. You can even get a soil test to find out what nutrients your soil is lacking. These tests can help you decide on the right plants for your yard.

What Can Be Done to Fix Climate Change?

Despite the fact that there is a great deal of debate over what can be done to fix climate change, there are some steps that are being taken to ensure that the situation is less likely to worsen in the future. These steps include reforestation, taxing corporations based on the carbon emissions they produce, and tougher fuel-efficiency standards for cars.

Reforestation

Whether reforestation can fix climate change is a matter of debate, but there is no denying that forests provide a variety of benefits to society. They are home to many plant and animal species, and support a rich web of ecosystems. But they can also be degraded and burned down, contributing to global warming. Reforestation is an important part of climate change mitigation.

But some researchers are questioning whether reforestation is really the best way to solve climate change. And some scientists are warning that mass tree planting could increase global warming.

Researchers at the University of Colorado studied the Bonn Challenge, which asks participants to restore 350 million hectares of deforested land by 2030. The scientists found that it would take between $0.7 and $9 trillion to meet the ambitious targets.

Divestment from fossil fuels

Investing in fossil fuels is a risky proposition for investors, as they release heat-trapping greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. As such, it’s no surprise that more institutions are making the switch to greener energy.

One of the best ways to start the process is by removing direct investments in fossil fuel companies. A well-executed divestment campaign will also put the pressure on fossil fuel companies to reinvest their funds in renewable energy.

It’s easy to see how a divestment campaign could improve the world. After all, every organization that pulls their money out of fossil fuels means less capital for the industry. In addition, every organization that pulls their money out also means less political influence for the industry.

Luckily, there are many ways to divest from fossil fuels to fix climate change. One of the best ways is by reducing carbon emissions. The more carbon emissions that we can eliminate, the better our chances of stopping climate change.

Increased odds of a flood in South Florida

Coastal areas throughout South Florida have been drenched in warnings about the increase in the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels. In fact, the odds of a flood hitting a four-foot high tide by 2050 are more than 15 percent. However, these figures are still well short of the intermediate-high NOAA standard that calls for 17 inches of sea rise by 2040.

A new report released by NOAA in February outlines a range of potential sea level rise scenarios. For the most part, the predictions are less extreme than earlier atmospheric modeling runs. However, the seas are still expected to rise, and South Florida isn’t ready.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for producing these projections, and the new report is based on readings from a tidal gauge in Key West. However, the report also includes a plethora of other data, such as topography, wind speeds, and other features onshore.

The report shows that the global average sea level has risen about three inches since 1992. However, the best estimates for South Florida are more than five inches. This means that more than half of the state’s population lives within four feet of the high tide line. The odds of a hurricane hitting the area during a high tide are about three times higher than they were fifteen years ago.

Impacts on wildlife

Thousands of wildlife species in the United States are threatened by sea level rise. This includes many species that rely on coastal habitats for food and nesting. The Center for Biological Diversity reported that 17 percent of threatened species are vulnerable to rising sea levels. In the Gulf Coast, more than one-sixth of threatened species are vulnerable to rising sea levels.

The impacts of rising sea levels are most widespread in low-lying coastal ecosystems. A study published in the Biological Reviews journal in March predicts that up to 90 percent of coastal freshwater turtle species will be at risk from sea level rise. These include the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the most threatened species in the Gulf Coast.

Other species at risk include the Western piping plover and the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. They are threatened by inundation from Chesapeake Bay and by sea level rise. The American Oystercatcher is a species of special concern in several coastal states. It nests near the edge of a beach and feeds almost exclusively on shellfish.

The Effect of Rising Sea Levels on the Gulf Coast

Increasing sea levels have been affecting the Gulf Coast area of Florida and the Southwest, and are a threat to the ecosystems that make the area so unique. Some of the impacts on the area include increased odds of floods, human health and wildlife.

Impacts on human health

Coastal communities in the United States are vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels. These impacts will vary by region. For instance, low-lying developed areas will be most vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise.

These coastal factors pose a threat to human well-being and public safety. They also threaten coastal economies and property values. They affect tourism and recreation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Sea level rise is expected to increase flooding. Coastal communities may be at increased risk for food security issues due to saltwater intrusion. It may also impact the health of residents and their access to health care. It could also cause higher mosquito densities, which could lead to greater transmission of infectious diseases.

Some coastal communities are already experiencing effects of sea level rise, such as Miami Beach, shown in Figure 8.3. The increase in salinity will be a major concern for estuarine systems, as well as coastal aquifers. Agricultural productivity may also be affected. Coastal communities will need to upgrade their flood defenses.

Impacts on coastal wetlands

Coastal wetlands are important habitat for wildlife, provide flood control, and protect against coastal erosion. They also serve as a natural carbon sink. However, coastal wetlands are at risk from sea level rise. There is a growing concern about the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal wetlands, but the magnitude of the damage is unknown.

Sea level rise can inundate coastal wetlands, resulting in loss of these important ecosystems. The sea level is expected to rise gradually over the coming decades. The impact of this rise is predicted to reach as much as 24,000 square kilometers of land. However, this estimate does not take into account the potential loss of wetlands in the newly inundated areas.

Sea level rise can also transform coastal wetlands into open water. Salt marshes, seagrass beds, and mangroves are known as “blue carbon” ecosystems because they remove carbon dioxide from the air. These ecosystems are a critical part of the fight against climate change.

Increased odds of a flood in South Florida

Coastal areas throughout South Florida have been drenched in warnings about the increase in the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels. In fact, the odds of a flood hitting a four-foot high tide by 2050 are more than 15 percent. However, these figures are still well short of the intermediate-high NOAA standard that calls for 17 inches of sea rise by 2040.

A new report released by NOAA in February outlines a range of potential sea level rise scenarios. For the most part, the predictions are less extreme than earlier atmospheric modeling runs. However, the seas are still expected to rise, and South Florida isn’t ready.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for producing these projections, and the new report is based on readings from a tidal gauge in Key West. However, the report also includes a plethora of other data, such as topography, wind speeds, and other features onshore.

The report shows that the global average sea level has risen about three inches since 1992. However, the best estimates for South Florida are more than five inches. This means that more than half of the state’s population lives within four feet of the high tide line. The odds of a hurricane hitting the area during a high tide are about three times higher than they were fifteen years ago.

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