2
stem from global warming, sea levels are rising at an alarming rate.
The global sea level has risen by 8 inches since 1880 and it is continuing to increase because of global warming and its effects (4). Regional factors affect the sea level rise such as subsidence and changes in wind, salinity, currents, and water temperatures (6). Take for example the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico (3). Some waters of these regions have risen more than 8 inches just in the past 50 years (5). This is because, there, the land is subsiding or sinking, which allows the water to move inland more (5). Also, changes are occurring with the strength of ocean currents (5).
As for the future, if we continue to emit greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat, our sea level will rise. By 2050, the level will increase from 6 and 16 inches above our current level (which is already 8 inches more than it was in 1880) (5). And by 2100, it is estimated to increase by another 12 to 48 above our current level (5). Even if we stop our heat-trapping emissions, the sea level will continue to rise because of drastic changes from global warming (5). Unsustainable human activities have led to this issue that is going to have lasting effects.
1."Global Warming Causes, Climate Change Causes - National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2014.
2. The Ocean -- National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2014.
3. "Causes of Sea Level Rise." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., 2013. Web. 05 June 2014.
4. Surging Seas Sea Level Rise Analysis by Climate Central." Surging Seas: Sea Level Rise Analysis by Climate Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2014.
5. Infographic: Sea Level Rise and Global Warming | UCSUSA." Union of Concerned Scientists. 30 April 2014. Web. 30 May 2014.
6. "Future Climate Change." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 06 June 2014.
(Union of Concerned Scientists)
by A. Holm