Slide 1:
When you look at this picture of long Beach island, would you notice a problem? Probably not Believe it or not, this beach may be completely underwater by the time we are old enough to have grandchildren. For such a large problem, it is surprising that not a lot of people know about it. Ocean level rising is not being taught in most high schools, so the newer generations are oblivious to the problem. I would like to talk about the enormous problem of ocean level rising and what we can do as a society to end it.
Slide 2:
Currently, ocean levels are on average, 4-8 inches higher than they were over the past century. Most of the ocean level rising was due to C02 emissions during the Industrial Revolution. Although the ocean level has risen over the past century, the current ocean levels are not yet a problem since the past rates of ocean level rising have been fairly minimal.
Slide 3:
In the past 20 years, however, the annual ocean rate of increase has been around 0.1 inches. This is
…show more content…
Slide 7:
Ocean level rising is a huge problem. By 2026, 26 U.S. cities will experience mass floodings. By 2100, 150 million people will have to be relocated inland since their land will be completely submerged. One example of this is Solomon Islands and Kiribati, who will have to relocate their citizens in the near future. We have never had a refugee crisis involving such a large amount of people. If the situation gets worse enough, thousands, if not millions could die.
Other than causing possible human death or harm, increased ocean levels will put more strain on the world’s agricultural systems since many farmlands will be contaminated with salt water. Also, rising ocean levels will lower land and water biodiversity. Imagine a world with no penguins, polar bears, or even predatory fish. This may become a