Right now, there is a clear and present risk that the U.S. could see a century's worth of sea-level rise by 2050, compared to the previous 100 years. In other words, the situation will become worse, not better. By 2050, seas lapping against the U.S. will be 10-12 inches higher.
As climate change from increasing temperatures continues to melt the polar ice caps causing rising sea levels, many other impacts are occurring, with bizarre weather patterns precipitating massive flooding, an explosion of wildfires and diminished habitat for both humans and wildlife.
Unfortunately, our feeble attempt to remedy the situation is falling short of noble aspirations to reverse environmental disaster worldwide. The U.N. summit in Glasgow concluded last year with a new climate agreement among 200 countries that drew applause from world leaders.
But world leaders should be embarrassed patting themselves on the back over an agreement that is so inadequate. The summit brought incremental progress, but that in itself is a colossal failure. We need bold and swift action to avert a catastrophic rise in global temperatures.
Humankind won't be able to accomplish a concerted effort without the participation of countries like Russia, China and India. Instead of pursuing nationalistic goals of manifest destiny, we will need to strive for the greater good to save the planet from ecological disaster -- before it's too late.
