Sea levels on the East Coast are rising three to four times faster than the global average, putting several major U.S. cities at increased risk of flooding and storm surges, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. The findings were published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The dramatic acceleration in sea-level rise, which is driven by climate change, poses an enormous threat to Boston, New York and other urban centers, as well as to coastal wetlands, beaches and other vulnerable ecosystems, according to scientists with the Center for Biological Diversity.
While scientific experts predict that global average sea levels will rise by 2 to 4 feet or more by 2100, sea levels along a 620-mile East Coast “hotspot” could increase by an additional foot, according to the USGS study.
“This is an alarming study that shows just how fast climate change is transforming our planet. The waters are rising, and it’s time to stop making excuses and start controlling greenhouse gas pollution,” says Shaye Wolf, climate science director at the Center, which has advocated for years for rapid, major cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. “To get sea-level rise under control, President Obama and our other leaders need to act now to reduce emissions and tackle global warming.”
via www.enn.com