Climate

Rising sea levels are a pressing environmental issue caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions. This leads to flooding, saltwater intrusion, and damage to infrastructure. Coastal areas are at risk, with millions of people potentially displaced. The economic burden of rebuilding and relocating is significant. Coastal ecosystems and freshwater supplies are also threatened. It is important to take action to reduce our impact, such as reducing carbon footprint and supporting environmental organizations. Small actions can make a big difference in addressing this critical issue and safeguarding the planet for future generations. Hey class, I'm Ronak. And I'm Jathan. Today, we're here to discuss a pressing environmental issue, the rising sea levels. Have you ever wondered why there has been more flooding in recent years? There has been some floods such as those in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. One very significant human impact that has been connected to all of these floods is the additional carbon dioxide we are releasing into the atmosphere. And so the rise in sea levels is a global problem that affects us all. It's essential to understand how we can mitigate its impact. And according to the article by Ocean Conservancy, in Florida, sea level rise is already excavating saltwater intrusion and impacting groundwater supplies. Sea level rise is also affecting gravity flow drainage infrastructure, leading to more frequent and severe high tide or nuisance flooding. This isn't just an inconvenience, it has serious implications. Yeah, and as sea levels rise more frequently, coastal areas are at a huge risk. People will be forced to leave their homes and the infrastructure that will sustain a significant amount of damage. And it's going to take about billions and billions of dollars to rebuild. And it's not just about losing homes and buildings. The coastlines themselves will slowly disappear, causing populations to shift inland. This will lead to increased taxes and a higher population density in the midland areas. And even to go along with that, if you don't live near these coasts, you'll still feel the effects through higher taxes and more crowded cities. And on top of that, the economic burden of rebuilding these infrastructures and relocating people is going to be huge. Another alarming example is that Florida's coastal communities may experience between 3 to 8 feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. An estimated 7.4 million people, or more than 30% of Florida's population, live within 6 feet of current sea levels. Yeah, and this just isn't a problem for Florida. Coastal cities worldwide, ranging from New York all the way to Tokyo, face similar threats. Rising sea levels could displace millions of people globally, leading to a huge refuge crisis. We also need to consider the environmental impacts. Rising sea levels threaten coastal ecosystems, including wetlands and mangroves, which serve as crucial habitats for wildlife and as natural barriers against storm surges. And on top of that, saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies can have a huge and devastating effect on our agricultural and drinking water. Whether you're an adult or an adolescent, we should all be aware of the major impact that rising sea levels will have on local ecosystems and the animals. And these are the most vulnerable to the effects and needs our consideration. I think it's crucial that we all take action to reduce our impact on the environment. And we could be taking simple steps like reducing our carbon footprint, supporting substantial policies, and spreading awareness. And all of this would make a huge difference. Education and advocacy about this matter are key. By staying informed and pushing for changes in policies, we can collectively address this issue. Support organizations that work towards the same environmental goal in conserving our environment is key. And so we should all remember small actions really do add up to the big picture. Reducing waste, conserving water, and using energy-efficient appliances are really huge steps that everyone can take and would all contribute to the solution. Thank you for listening. Let's do our part to address this critical issue. And I think together we can make a huge difference. And safeguard our planet for future generations. Thank you. Thank you for listening.