A Devastating Reality for Over 90 Million

The issue began when we chose to ignore the warnings! It has been a long time since we acknowledged the truth. How have you, and those around you, contributed to the suffering of over 90 million people in this nation?

There is a shared experience among humanity that has existed since time immemorial. People find it much easier to accept realities that are visible; however, the future is inherently intangible. This leads us to doubt experts and even bury our heads in the sand, disregarding the obvious.

When confronted with a future that is becoming increasingly evident, many choose to maintain their current paths. The trajectory we are on has brought us to this moment. It was too simple to overlook what we could not see. However, the future is here, and its impacts are becoming visible.

2,000 Miles Away from the U.S.

Currently, the Gunas of Cardi Sugdub is the first community along Panama's Pacific Coast preparing to relocate. Officials and scientists predict that they will need to evacuate due to rising sea levels.

Sea levels are increasing due to thermal expansion and the melting of polar ice, driven by ongoing climate change. The continued burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. Many learned about the greenhouse effect as early as the 1980s.

The rise in sea levels threatens the livelihoods of billions. While early indicators of sea level rise may first impact small islands and remote shores, it won't be long before these changes affect us all. Experts predict that between 2035 and 2050, conditions will worsen significantly.

The image above, taken in Florida in 2008, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face. The anguish and devastation from such occurrences are unforgettable.

The Situation at Home

The rising sea levels present a grave threat to coastal communities. Yet, many believe it won't affect them. What if this assumption, which seems true for billions, is misguided?

While no American city has yet succumbed to rising sea levels, projections are troubling for a nation that is lagging in addressing infrastructure needs. Panamanian officials may act now, but coastal flooding has already raised alarms in the United States, especially during high tides.

Coastal regions should be on high alert. They have already experienced flooding from unexpected storm surges, tropical storms, and hurricanes. As ocean levels continue to rise and scientists warn of increasing coastal flooding, we will see more images like the one below. With each incident, the financial toll will escalate into the hundreds of millions.

Businesses will suffer revenue losses, forcing many, especially small enterprises, to shut down with little hope of recovery. Local governments will expend vast resources, and tragically, lives will be lost; in 2021 alone, 116 people died in the U.S. due to flooding.

As coastal erosion continues and shorelines shift, these challenges will manifest, affecting us all. However, those living further inland may feel the repercussions last. Over 90 million individuals will likely experience the impacts before those in the heartland do.

Taking Action Against Climate Change

The scientific community is actively seeking strategies to mitigate these effects and reduce harm to our planet. While this may seem a daunting task, it is one that must be undertaken for the sake of humanity.

Understanding what lies ahead is crucial. In the next three decades, sea levels along the East Coast could rise by as much as 10–14 inches. With the arrival of high tides and each annual Atlantic storm season, nearly 45 million individuals could face regular flood warnings.

Coastal flooding is expected to become ten times more frequent than it is today, with local factors potentially exacerbating the situation.

As these effects escalate, the resulting damages will likely be catastrophic, leading to an economic crisis that will disrupt our way of life.

Despite this impending reality, many will remain on their current paths, believing they are immune to the consequences. However, there are proactive steps those who think they are insulated from these effects can take.

How You Can Help Mitigate These Effects

Even if you reside far from the coast and cannot see the direct impact of this crisis, there are ways you can contribute to delaying this dire future:

1. Plant Trees: Trees absorb CO2, a fundamental lesson from middle school science. Supporting reforestation is a simple yet effective way to combat the future projected by scientists.
2. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Minimizing or eliminating single-use plastics can make a significant difference.
3. Buy Local Produce: Purchasing seasonal and locally grown food reduces transportation emissions and supports local farmers.
4. Conserve Energy: Simple actions, like turning off lights in empty rooms and unplugging devices, can save energy and money.
5. Switch to Renewable Energy: Where possible, transition to greener energy sources. Many areas are experiencing savings through wind and solar energy.
6. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: When upgrading, consider energy-efficient options to reduce energy consumption.
7. Use Public Transportation or Bike: Whenever feasible, biking is a great exercise alternative, and public transit options are often available in urban areas.

Key Takeaways

A bleak future looms for millions globally. In the U.S., over 90 million lives, homes, and businesses will face disruption as sea level rise reaches critical levels. While the numbers may not seem overwhelming, when combined with high tides and storm surges, major coastal cities could be inundated.

The time to act was likely four decades ago when scientists first attempted to alert us. As rapid deforestation for progress became commonplace, the ignorance of those profiting became evident. If we do not urgently confront our past actions and embrace change, that will be our legacy.

From the smallest efforts to significant investments, everyone has a role to play. However, many remain entrenched in fossil fuel dependency or deny the science, posing a genuine risk we will all face.

For those living inland, consider this: where will displaced coastal populations go when the shores become uninhabitable? As conditions worsen, many will be forced to relocate, similar to the nearly 300 individuals from an island off Panama’s coast. Living away from the coast does not guarantee safety from these effects, which will ultimately shape our futures, as well as those of our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for reading!

References

• National Ocean Service 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report
• United States Census Bureau, 94.7 Million Live In Coastline Regions
• NBC News/Panama Prepares to Evacuate First Island in Face of Rising Sea Levels/By Associated Press
• Climate change’s impact on coastal flooding to increase 5-times over this century, putting over 70 million people in the path of expanding floodplains, according to new UNDP and CIL data
• Coastal Flooding is getting more common, even on sunny Days, by Rebecca Hersher
• World Economic Forum/Sea level rise: Everything you need to know, Jul 11, 2024
• National Geographic/Sea Level Rise