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Flooding the Coastlines Have a look at the Population map on Atlas pages 134–135. 1. Do a rough count of the world’s cities that have more than 10 million inhabitants. List them. 2. What proportion of them are situated on an ocean coast? In fact, more than 70 per cent of the world’s population lives on coastal plains on the edges of the oceans. We know that sea levels have already begun to rise in the last 100 years, and scientists predict that, because of climate change, the levels could rise significantly higher. This change could create a significant problem. Some places will be affected more than others. For example, sea level is rising faster along the coastlines of North America than it is over the world as a whole. A rise of 30 cm (for North America) is very likely by 2050, but some scientists are predicting a rise of more than 1.2 m by that date. The rate at which sea level is rising in south Florida—30 cm since 1850—is as much as 10 times the average rate of rise during the past several thousand years. Computer models and scientific analysis project that by 2100 the ocean along the Florida coast will be another 50 cm higher than it is today. Half a metre more of ocean does not sound like a big problem, does it? The implications, however, are very serious, especially when increased sea levels are accompanied by stronger storms. Consider that barrier islands and coral reefs will vanish, shorelines and beaches will be eroded, and saltwater will flood into groundwater and freshwater ecosystems. All these changes will have a devastating effect on plant and animal life. Scientists also predict that more than 25 per cent of the buildings now located along North American coastlines will disappear. 3. How does global warming and climate change contribute to rising sea levels? 4. a) Study the Population density map of North America on page 69 of the Atlas. Describe the population distribution along the eastern edge of the continent from the peninsula of Florida up to the eastern Great Lakes Erie and Ontario. Specifically, describe the coastal areas of highest population density. b) Next, study the eastern section of the Physical map of North America on page 67 of the Atlas. Study also the sketch map of the potential for coastal flooding in Florida, on the following page. Describe the regions of North American coastline that are less than 100 m above sea level. c) Compare the location of the highest population densities of North America’s eastern coastline with the regions in the same area that are less than 100 m above sea level. (In other words, compare your answers to parts (a) and (b).) Write a brief description of your observations. d) Identify some of the environmental, social, and economic implications of sea-level rise for people living on North America’s eastern coast. The Everglades is a test. If we pass, we get to keep the planet. —Joe Podgor, former executive director, Friends of the Everglades The Florida Everglades is a beautiful sub-tropical wilderness, and home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. The distinct Everglades habitat is essential to the survival of many endangered species. This small corner of the world includes many unique ecosystems that are so significant that the Everglades has been declared a US National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance. Despite these protections, the region is threatened. The Everglades has already shrunk to less than half its original area. Pesticides and other wastes have polluted the ecosystem. The development of towns, the sugar industry, agriculture, and tourism in the Everglades have caused extensive damage. Global warming might just finish it off. 5. With coastal water levels rising, parts of the Florida Everglades are already being flooded with salt water. a) Investigate how serious the environmental situation really is. Conduct research for up-to-date information using an Internet search engine. Summarize your findings in a brief paragraph. b) Imagine that you live in the Florida Everglades. Write a one-page scenario of the future that outlines how global climate change will affect your lifestyle and livelihood. As an option, you may choose, in your scenario, to predict the results of any measures and strategies that people are taking now to try to save this unique ecosystem. Will these efforts save the Everglades from disappearing?