Download Flooding the Coastlines

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?