Global warming and climate control has been/ is a big debate and will continue to be in the discussion because of the presidential election coming in about a year. Furthermore, it has already been brought up to the candidates. This topic is serious, and it is affecting us every day, whether we see it or not.
Global warming causes sea level rise. In simplest terms, as carbon- dioxide traps more and more heart on the planet, the oceans get warmer and warmer and expand over time. As glaciers and ice melts in Greenland and Antarctica, the more water gets poured into the oceans. These processes don’t just stop. Its taken centuries and centuries for these processes to take place, and it will take centuries to stop them.
Not only will major cities in the US be affected, the effects are happening right here in Florida. If we were just going off what the picture shows, the Miami area would experience the most devastating change (however we all know they aren’t the only ones). What does that mean for Tampa? Sea level rise most likely won’t affect us, but how do you feel when this could essentially affect our kids and grandkids? This also means that where you once grew up will no longer be there for other generations of children to grow up.
Ocean Drive, Miami before...
... and the after sea level rise.You can see that about half the building/area is underwater.
The article states that over 1,200 miles along the coastline will be vulnerable to change. The entire south end of Florida will be lost, even stretching up to as far as Bonita Springs.
If you don’t believe in climate change and sea level rise, you need to think again. It’s happening whether you believe it or not. The National Climate Assessment found that “climate change was not only real, but it was already affecting people in the United States, particularly in Florida, where 75 percent of all residents live near the coast.” Not only does 75 percent of the Florida’s residents live near the coast, 79 percent of the states annual economy comes from those areas.
Let’s cut to the chase. There isn’t anything we can do to stop sea level rise. We’ve already created the mess, and generations before us, but now we have to focus on what we can do to slow down the process.
We must simply quit burning fossil fuels. Reducing emissions of methane, tropospheric, ozone, hydrofluorocarbons and black carbon could possibly reduce sea level rise by nearly 25 to 50 percent. This means less fracking, more carpooling and bus transportation, cutting back on anything that creates smoke or soot and cutting back on industrial emissions and chemical solvents. This includes chemicals such as windshield washer fluid, which creates fewer chlorofluorocarbons.
It will take years to see a change if we do in fact quit burning fossil fuels, but we must start now in order for these numbers to quit rising. How does this affect others who don’t live on coastal areas?
Simple. You enjoy vacationing in Florida, correct? Well prices will increase. There is a consequence for all of this, and price is one of them. Florida will be “sacred land” and in order to keep it alive, the less it can be used. It’s common sense. Keep in mind that it’s not just Florida. California, Washington, New York, South Carolina, D.C., New Jersey, Virginia and Texas will all be heavily affected.
This will not all occur tomorrow or even a year from now, but it is affecting us a little more each and every day. Obviously, I am not a scientist and do not know all of the facts. However, I do know that we all need to take some responsibility and stand up. We need to take care of our planet. There were people here before us and there will be people here after us. Do your part. So the next time you need to go to the grocery store, go with a neighbor and save gas. Or with the 200 other people in your apartment complex that go to the same school you do at the same time. Ride a bike, or walk. Don’t burn your trash and brush. Don’t keep buying gas- guzzlers. Little things like this can go a long way.
Below are articles from which I got my information, the first being the one that provoked my thoughts.
http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/07/15/what-sea-level-rise-looks-america-coast?cmpid=tp-fb
http://dcraig.blogs.redding.com/2014/05/governor-o...
