Sea Level Rise and Climate Change Impacts PDF

Today, we’ll be exploring the topic of Climate Change—specifically how rising sea levels and melting ice is reshaping our planet and impacting people worldwide. WHAT IS SEA LEVEL RISE AND WHAT CAUSES IT Jasper: Sea level rise refers to the increase in ocean water levels, caused by two main factors:...

Today, we’ll be exploring the topic of Climate Change—specifically how rising sea levels and melting ice is reshaping our planet and impacting people worldwide. WHAT IS SEA LEVEL RISE AND WHAT CAUSES IT Jasper: Sea level rise refers to the increase in ocean water levels, caused by two main factors: the melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the expansion of water as it warms. The main reason behind both is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases CO2. When CO2 is in the air, it absorbs and radiates heat, causing the water to warm up. Water expands as it warms, raising the sea level. Not only that, CO2 also melts ice, increasing the water level of the ocean. The ocean absorbs over 90 percent of the excess heat from human activity, fueling a rise in sea levels. With the continued ocean and atmospheric warnings, the sea levels will likely rise for centuries.Currently, sea levels are increasing by about 3 mm per year, with 2mm coming from melted ice and 1mm from thermal expansion. Future Predictions Jasper: By 2050, sea levels along the USA coastlines are expected to rise as much as 12 inches (1foot) above today’s waterline, according to researchers who analyzed three decades of satellite observations. Although 1 foot of water doesn't seem like much, it swallows up the coastline much more than you think. Every foot of rise can swallow up to 100 feet of shoreline due to the gentle slope of most coastlines. By 2100, the sea level rise will be around another 44 centimetres (17in) which has a range of 28-61 cm! Impacts of Melting Land-Based Ice(Big idea) Jasper: Melting ice adds to rising sea levels, which increases coastal erosion, leaving coastal areas vulnerable to storms as warming air and ocean temperatures create more intense storms, such as hurricanes or typhoons. As icebergs start to thaw, they contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and transforming ecosystems. The process disrupts ocean currents, alters weather patterns, and creates falling effects on wildlife habitats. Arctic species like polar bears become vulnerable. The environmental impact goes beyond immediate visible changes, with melting ice releasing trapped methane and speeding up global warming. This problem isn't just an environmental issue, but a huge indicator of climate change which should signal the urgent need for global action. The consequences of iceberg and glacier melting show many aspects of this problem, from marine ecosystems to global weather patterns, making it a very significant environmental challenge of our time. Jasper: Along with Coast erosion, Melting Ice displaces people and Animals to a bigger degree. The Impact of Ice Melting in the arctic is people losing their communities and animals losing their land. Many animals in the arctic live, rest, hunt and mate on sea ice. The Sea Ice creates a Habitat for animals like Polar Bears, Walruses, Seals, Arctic Foxes, Hares and Owls. If the sea Ice melts, many of these animals would lose their homes and would have to migrate somewhere to live and adapt to the environment. If the animal isn’t able to migrate or adapt to the environment, then they can become extinct. In short, Rising sea levels would make these animal’s environments harder to live in and maybe even unlivable causing mass migrations and even extinction of a species. 1.​ Jasper: Planting trees and plants can also make a difference. Since trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, having more trees can help lower sea rise levels substantially. You can help by lowering paper use and recycling. Set all computers and printers to double-sided printing and reuse one-sided copies as scrap paper. Jasper: In conclusion, sea level rise serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions on our planet. As we face the growing impacts of climate change, it's crucial that we recognize the devastating effects rising sea levels have on millions of lives worldwide. From the loss of homes and communities to the displacement of entire cities, the impact is undeniable, and the time to act is now. So, as we move forward, we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to take the necessary steps to preserve our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.