In a groundbreaking climate change study, scientists have found that by neglecting to include the melting of Antarctica, we have vastly underestimated the potential for sea level rise over the next 80 years — and beyond.Click through to the story for the images if you can't see the one I've lifted here
The most widely cited estimate of around three feet by 2100 includes sea level rise from thermal expansion (water expands when it warms) and the melting of smaller glaciers. It includes minimal contributions from Greenland and Antarctica.
Instead, this study published in the journal Nature suggests that we should actually double that forecast when we include melting in Antarctica: approximately six feet of sea level rise by 2100. Just as alarming is the projection that Antarctica by itself could add 50 feet of sea level rise by 2500.
When one looks at those maps the vision of a New Orleans viable only as an exclusive resort town for part time residents becomes clearer. Nice place to visit. Wouldn't want to live there, though. Too risky. Really only makes sense as the sort of place to buy a second home and visit during the festive non-hurricane part of the year. Maybe even put it on the Millionaire's Migratory Track (especially if Miami is going all the way underwater.)
So, yeah, as long as the plan is to protect the city at least that well, there's no reason real estate speculation can't continue to skyrocket. Nice of FEMA to cooperate too, don't you think?
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