Coastal Areas Should Begin Planning For Sea Level Rise

As 189 nations meet in Kenya to discuss climate change and rising sea levels, a group of scientists has released a report calling for nations to begin planning now for the devastating effects of rising sea levels, especially in coastal areas.

1 minute read

November 14, 2006, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Warming could melt ice sheets and raise water levels, and the report said nations should already be considering making a 'managed retreat' from the most endangered areas, including low-lying island states, parts of Bangladesh or even the U.S. state of Florida."

"Many of the world's biggest cities, from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, are by the coast. Some rich nations might be able to build ever higher dikes, such as in the Netherlands, but poor nations were destined to be swamped."

Some nations have already begun to plan for the loss of land due to rising sea levels.

"The low-lying Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has already agreed a deal for New Zealand to take about half its 10,000 people to work in agriculture if it becomes swamped by rising sea levels."

FULL STORY: Scientists Say Millions Could Flee Rising Seas

Friday, November 10, 2006 in Environmental News Network

Environment World

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