SCI 214 Module Four Project Draft

1. Provide a brief description of the issue and how it impacts equity in your community.

In simplified terms, the rising sea level is a consequence of our planet warming up. Picture Earth

as a vast expanse surrounded by oceans, and the water levels in these oceans, known as sea

levels, are gradually increasing due to the warming trend. The primary contributor to this

phenomenon is the melting of ice in places like Antarctica and Greenland, causing the water to

expand and consequently elevating the sea levels. While the process isn't rapid, it demands our

attention, especially for those residing near coastlines.

This surge in sea level poses challenges for coastal communities, as the encroaching water may

approach inhabited areas. Scientists are diligently studying this issue to predict the extent of sea

level rise and devising strategies to mitigate its impact, with the overarching goal of safeguarding

communities from potential harm.

The repercussions of rising sea levels extend beyond mere inconvenience; they affect

communities, wildlife, and infrastructure. However, not all individuals are affected uniformly.

Those with limited financial resources residing near the coast face more significant problems,

such as potential displacement, job loss, and difficulties in obtaining essential resources.

This situation raises significant equity concerns, emphasizing the need to assist vulnerable

communities in coping with rising sea levels. The impact is substantial, posing threats to coastal

communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Marginalized communities with lower socio-

economic status residing in vulnerable coastal areas are disproportionately impacted. These

communities often lack resources to adapt, facing increased risks of displacement, loss of
livelihoods, and compromised access to essential services. An excellent example is Chennai, a

coastal city where I used to live, susceptible to the impacts of rising sea levels.

Chennai's low-lying areas and proximity to the Bay of Bengal make it particularly vulnerable.

The rising sea levels can lead to increased flooding, endangering homes and infrastructure along

the coastline. Local fishermen in Chennai confront numerous challenges as well. Changing sea

levels disrupt traditional fishing practices, affecting the availability and migration patterns of

marine life. Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion harm ecosystems supporting fish populations,

impacting the livelihoods of the fishing community.

Moreover, the heightened risk of storm surges and extreme weather events due to rising sea

levels poses additional dangers to the safety of fishermen and their boats. Addressing these

challenges requires adaptation strategies, sustainable fishing practices, and community resilience

initiatives, particularly for the local fishermen in Chennai.

2. Describe the relevant parts of data and information on your chosen scientific issue.

1. Historical Sea Level Rise (Late 19th Century to Present):

- According to NOAA, global average sea levels have experienced an increase of

approximately 8 inches (20 cm) since the late 19th century.

2. Projection for the Next 30 Years (2020-2050):

- The average sea level rise along the U.S. coastline is anticipated to be 10 - 12 inches (0.25 -

0.30 meters).

- Regional variations are expected:

- East Coast: 10 - 14 inches (0.25 - 0.35 meters).

- Gulf Coast: 14 - 18 inches (0.35 - 0.45 meters).

 - West Coast: 4 - 8 inches (0.1 - 0.2 meters).

- Caribbean: 8 - 10 inches (0.2 - 0.25 meters).

- Hawaiian Islands: 6 - 8 inches (0.15 - 0.2 meters).

- Northern Alaska: 8 - 10 inches (0.2 - 0.25 meters).

- This projected rise is expected to equal the total observed increase over the last century (1920

- 2020).

3. Sea Level Rise and Flooding Projection by 2050:

- Coastal flooding dynamics are anticipated to shift, driven by increased tide and storm surge

heights.

- "Moderate" flooding is expected to occur more than 10 times as frequently by 2050,

averaging 4 events per year.

- "Major" flooding is predicted to be five times more frequent by 2050, averaging 0.2 events

per year.

- Existing emissions are likely to contribute to approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) of sea level

rise along the U.S. coastline between 2020 and 2100.

- Failing to mitigate future emissions could result in an additional 1.5 - 5 feet (0.5 - 1.5 meters)

of rise, reaching a total of 3.5 - 7 feet (1.1 - 2.1 meters) by the end of the century.

3. Determine the validity of the data and information from your chosen sources on the

scientific issue.

The chosen source is a National Geographic article authored by C. Nunez and published on April

10, 2023, suggesting a likelihood of validity. National Geographic is recognized for its
commitment to accurate reporting, and the author demonstrates expertise in environmental

issues. The recent publication date further enhances the information's reliability.

Upon initial assessment, a positive impression of the source is formed. National Geographic's

established reputation for accurate and in-depth reporting, coupled with the author's

environmental expertise, contributes to the credibility of the information. The April 10, 2023,

publication date is indicative of relatively recent data, crucial for staying abreast of current

developments in sea level rise.

National Geographic, esteemed for journalistic integrity and fact-checking, adds to the source's

reliability. Its categorization in the "Environment" section reinforces its trustworthiness on

environmental matters. The inclusion of a byline for C. Nunez signifies transparency and

accountability in the content. Given National Geographic's credibility and the author's apparent

expertise, it is reasonable to assume that the source provides accurate and reliable information.

The credibility of the information is further supported by National Geographic's reputation as a

trustworthy source. Rigorous editorial and fact-checking processes likely precede the publication

of the article. The incorporation of data, scientific explanations, and potential expert opinions on

sea level rise contributes to the source's credibility. While cross-referencing with other reputable

sources is advisable for validation, the National Geographic source is deemed likely to be

credible.

The original source of the information is National Geographic, a well-regarded media

organization known for its coverage of environmental issues and scientific topics. Authored by

C. Nunez and published on April 10, 2023, the article titled "Sea levels are rising at an

extraordinary pace" adds to the source's reliability and credibility.

4. Describe the trends in the data on your chosen scientific issue.

Trends indicate a consistent rise in global sea levels, with projections suggesting a potential

acceleration based on future climate scenarios. The data reflects a concerning trend that demands

attention and proactive measures

The historical trend reveals a substantial increase in global average sea levels over the past

century, amounting to approximately 8 inches (20 cm). This points to a persistent and significant

long-term pattern of sea level elevation.

Looking ahead, the forecast for the next three decades signals a continuation of this upward

trend, with an anticipated average sea level rise of 10 - 12 inches (0.25 - 0.30 meters) along the

U.S. coastline. Regional variations underscore the uneven impact across different coastal areas.

Remarkably, the projected rise over the next 30 years is expected to equal the total observed

increase over the entire 20th century, indicating an acceleration in sea level rise.

The analysis of flooding projections by 2050 further accentuates the gravity of the situation,

revealing a shift in dynamics with increased frequency in both "moderate" and "major" flooding

events. This shift is attributed to elevated tide and storm surge heights.

Emphasizing the potential consequences of existing emissions, the data highlights a projected 2

feet (0.6 meters) of sea level rise by 2100. Moreover, the range of additional rise (1.5 - 5 feet or

0.5 - 1.5 meters) underscores the critical importance of mitigating future emissions to avoid more

severe impacts.

The analysis paints a clear and concerning picture of rising sea levels with far-reaching

consequences. Projections for the next 30 years suggest an acceleration in this trend,

underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing measures to mitigate

the impacts of sea level rise and associated flooding.

5. Describe relationships in the data and information found in your sources relating to

your chosen scientific issue.

The data reveals a clear correlation between the increase in global temperatures, the melting of

ice caps, and the subsequent rise in sea levels. A direct relationship is observed: as temperatures

rise, the impact on sea levels becomes more pronounced, underscoring the urgent imperative for

climate action. The relationships within the data pertaining to rising sea levels and its

consequences for coastal communities unveil crucial insights:

- The primary catalyst for rising sea levels is identified as climate change, particularly global

warming. The data underscores that planetary warming contributes to the melting of ice in

Antarctica and Greenland, leading to the expansion of ocean waters. This relationship

underscores the centrality of addressing climate change as a fundamental strategy for mitigating

the repercussions of rising sea levels.

- The information accentuates regional variations in projections of sea level rise, signaling

diverse impacts on different coastal areas. This introduces a geographical disparity in the

consequences of sea level rise, with implications for equity concerns. Vulnerable communities in

regions prone to sea level rise, coupled with lower socio-economic status, face disproportionate

challenges, including potential displacement, job loss, and difficulties accessing essential

resources.

- A temporal relationship is established, elucidating historical sea level rise and projecting future

trends. The analysis points to an acceleration in the rate of sea level rise, with the projected

increase over the next 30 years mirroring the total observed rise throughout the entire 20th

century. This temporal connection emphasizes the urgency of promptly addressing the issue to

avert more severe impacts in the future.

- The information establishes a relationship between emissions and projected sea level rise. It

posits that neglecting efforts to mitigate future emissions could result in additional feet of rise,

underscoring the critical role of emission reduction strategies in climate change mitigation. This

relationship highlights the potential for human intervention to influence the severity of future sea

level rise.

In summary, the relationships evident in the data not only elucidate the scientific dimensions of

sea level rise but also underscore the interdependence of climate change, geographic disparities,

localized impacts, temporal trends, and the pivotal role of mitigation strategies in addressing

equity concerns associated with rising sea levels.

Resources:

Climate Change: Global Sea Level. (2022, April 19). NOAA Climate.gov.

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-sea-

level#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20global%20average%20sea,per%20year%20from%202006%E

2%80%932015.

Caldwell. (2022). Preserving the Seas. CQ Press. https://doi.org/10.4135/cqresrre20220902

Nunez, C. (2023, April 10). Sea levels are rising at an extraordinary pace. Here’s what to know.

Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/sea-level-rise-1

Gupta, S. (2023, March 5). These 2 Indian cities are at high risk due to sea level rise: Report.

Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/these-2-indian-cities-are-at-

high-risk-due-to-sea-level-rise-report-

101678015494112.html#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20on%20climate,western%20Indian%20

Ocean%2C%20PTI%20reported.
2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report. (n.d.).

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/sealevelrise-tech-report.html