Guess it needs to be said: rising seas due to global warming is real, and no damn joke. And, we can do something about it, while creating a greener, cleaner economy.
In fact, one of the best ways to help our families in the United States, and around the world -- particularly the most vulnerable and poor -- is to heal the damage we have done to our home, Earth, and slow sea level rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Create more resilient cities, and a greener economy. Not to mention protect some of the most valuable real estate in the United States, including Wall Street.
Below is a 60 second PSA Global Green did last year on sea level rise, entitled I AM. Our goal in enlisting notable individuals to shine a light on the science was to educate Americans, as well as encourage our leaders to act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in clean, green technologies (including energy efficiency and solar power).
Just because the PSA includes Modern Family's Ed O'Neil, it's still no damn joke -- the science is real and, sadly, coming to a coastal city near you:
The science is clear and overwhelming:
Here are more facts on sea level rise, and a list of vulnerable cities.
Here's a page that includes a link to animations of what varying levels of sea level rise stands to make many coastal cities look like, including New York.
Here's a good post by blogger David Roberts on sea level rise.
Bottom line: to help our families now and in the future, we have to stop treating our atmosphere like a sewer.
Its time to get back to working hard with cities and states -- and getting leaders in Washington to do the same -- to increasing energy efficiency, solar and other ways to create a greener economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
And, we can all take individual action, reclaim our role as citizens, and become a nation of citizen entrepreneurs to each take responsibility for a corner of our world.