{O/C} A word of warning tonight from a comprehensive report by federal climate scientists that the U.S. should brace for a signifiant rise in sea levels along coastlines by about one foot.
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The projected increase is pretty alarming, provided that climate change has taken a toll on the world.
The projections have sea levels near coastal areas increase by 10 to 12 inches, or 0.25 to 0.3 metres, with parts of Louisiana and Texas slated to see waters 0.45 metres higher.
Scientists warn that the speed at which sea levels are rising is accelerating as time ticks by. And the coming 30 years will see the same amount of sea level rise as the previous 100.
This particular report provides the most concrete sea level projections ever, given the authors are 24 of the country's top climate scientists. What's more, advances in computer models and real-world information have made for more accurate projections and greater clarity.
People living in coastal cities are already seeing encroaching seas as an imminent threat. Every extra inch of ocean waters means more severe floodings during hurricane and often-swamped bayous.
The surge in sea level varies dramatically for different parts of the U.S. coast. But, people residing in states along the U.S. West Coast, including much of southern and western Alaska, will have more time to prepare themselves for the rise.
The report cited greenhouse gas emissions as the biggest culprit.
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