Act Now To Protect U.S. Coasts

Government reports warn policy makers and planners to act now to protect the infrastructure of the United States. From The New York Times article you read by Cornelia Dean called “Government Reports Warn Planners on Sea-Rise Threat to U.S. Coasts,” do you think the U.S. has done enough to protect its infrastructure? Use specific examples from the article to support your statement.

Bangladesh and Its Vulnerable Coast

When we think of who is at risk from rising sea levels, one country that comes to mind is Bangladesh. It has been one of the world’s most vulnerable countries affected by sea level rise as a result of global climate change. The sea has encroached on the land along the coast in Bangladesh, and there is always a concern that it could one day swallow major areas of this country. Accretion, or the natural growth or addition of silt, is being helped along in an attempt to help Bangladesh. Where does the silt come from, and how is this country trying to divert the silt? What are some of the problems this country faces? How has the country tried to use the silt to protect itself? What makes it so vulnerable to the sea? Why is it so hard to tame the waters that spill into Bangladesh? Why is flooding of the coast a problem for the people of this country?

Vanishing Glaciers

Around the world, glaciers are melting at rates faster then scientist first thought. Many communities around the world stand to be effected by the world's melting glaciers. How will the impact of Greenland's melting glaciers be different from the impact of melting glaciers in the Himalayan Mountains or the Alps?

Taking the Challenge

How vulnerable is your coastline to sea level rise? What types of things are being done to protect coastal regions faced with this problem? Should more attention be given to this issue? Post a comment and let the discussion begin!