Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Overview

• Discussion on potential future changes in coastal cities due to climate change.
• Coastal areas like Florida, New York, and Mumbai are at risk.

Key Concepts

• Sea level rise expected as a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ben Strauss, CEO of Climate Central, emphasizes irreversible effects:
  • 4 feet of rise guaranteed from existing emissions.
  • Additional emissions could lead to 10-20 feet or more.

Current Impact

• Over 600 million people live in areas <30 feet above sea level.
• Miami experiences flooding during high tides.
• Real estate values in affected neighborhoods decreasing due to increased flooding frequency.

Visualizing Sea Level Rise

• Climate Central's "Surging Seas" visualizer demonstrates impacts on cities like New York, New Orleans, Shanghai, Lagos.
• Aim: Make climate change more immediate and relatable for the public.

New York City's Response

• NYC unveils plans to protect lower Manhattan post-Sandy:
  • Fortifying the city; potential land reclamation by 50-100 feet into the East River.
  • Estimated cost: $10 billion.
• Jamie Bavishi from the Mayor's Office of Resiliency highlights multiple climate risks:
  • Sea level rise, storm surge, intense precipitation, extreme heat.
• Plans include installing floodgates in vulnerable areas.

Economic Implications

• Lower Manhattan is key:
  • 10% of NYC jobs and 75% of subway lines located here.
• Urgency to protect economic centers due to climate threats.

Challenges and Solutions

• Other U.S. communities (Alaska, Louisiana) relocating due to coastal erosion.
• Study suggests 311,000 homes vulnerable to chronic flooding by 2045.
• NYC policymakers' goal: Prevent chaos from large-scale displacement.
  • Focus on defense rather than relocation.

Conclusion

• Sea levels rising faster than anticipated; gradual but accelerating changes.
• Importance of acting quickly to mitigate risks associated with climate change.
• Encouragement to seek further information on sea level rise dynamics.