A book about the impact of sea-level rise is a must-read in the week that scientists warned about the Thwaites "Doomsday" Glacier breaking up. If I recall correctly, not a single politician, wherever in the world, spoke about this week's announced disaster for the planet. And that includes all those world leaders that flew to Glasgow last month to tell the world how worried they are about climate change.
I learned of this danger nearly a decade ago in my studies at Vermont Law School. Its been horrifying to watch the many predictions come true, including a pandemic. What are the most important innovations needed to solve global warming?
Weather is getting scary. Personally, a giant Hemlock, well rooted, just destroyed my carport. The cause was a microburst.
A microburst several states from me uprooted 3 giant trees at a friend’s house, sending them flying like torpedoes. One was embedded several feet into their basement straight through asphalt paving. No neighbors had damage. These events do not make the news.
I see that NYC and Brooklyn have plans for mitigating sea level rise. I doubt the plans could handle a 10 foot rise. Developers’ profits are on a very small time scale. Its so strange to witness a rearrangement of deck chairs on the Titanic. But some shorter time scale enjoyment will occur, at least.
It is extremely difficult to protect against 10 foot sea level rise, especially in combination with more powerful storms. We won't reach that point until somewhere in the 22nd century, and if we do take the right measures in time we will never have to go there. But, looking at the lack of commitment worldwide to stop the use of fossil fuels, I fear that -perhaps with a bit of delay - people in the next century will see a sea level rise of 6 foot or even much more. It is a sad thought, espcially since we know how to stop climate change
Dec 25, 2021·edited Dec 25, 2021Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
After listening to the interview I went and ordered a copy of The Great Melt - did you know we had a tornado in Rome (Italy) two weeks ago?! More specifically it was a water spout that hovered around the coast... it was terrifying for those who witnessed it.
It's a great book, especially since it often brings you back to the individual level where people are impacted, while it also describes the bigger picture. It very readable which is often a problem with books about climate change. I can highly recommend it. And that tornado is quite special. Not sure if there is a linkage to climate change (my first guess is that this one may be less easy to attribute to climate change, although one factor, increased humidity, likely plays a role), but there is already so much else going on in Italy that you can directly link to climate change.
A terrifying but excellent article. I’d heard nothing of this impending disaster until reading your article. How can something with such horrific consequences be so easily ignored. Again, if it’s not expected to happen on the current leaders watch, it’s not worth worrying about. And as you said, all those leaders at Glasgow trying to exhibit leadership that’s not there.
Last week’s podcast with Alister Doyle was great. I look forward to the next one. Another critically important topic forthcoming.
Unbelievable that this story barely even made the news let alone the headlines here. We are far from any coast, but as you rightly say - the people who are fleeing the coastal regions will become our neighbors. Plus, melting glaciers is also a problem in Switzerland.
I enjoyed your talk with Alister a lot and will definitely be reading his book. Thank you for writing about the important stories (I saw what you said about Reuters on Twitter and you are so right about that!) and for making this wonderful podcast. I only just saw that you posted the next one. I might just give that a listen on my 1am walk around the neighborhood.
I learned of this danger nearly a decade ago in my studies at Vermont Law School. Its been horrifying to watch the many predictions come true, including a pandemic. What are the most important innovations needed to solve global warming?
Weather is getting scary. Personally, a giant Hemlock, well rooted, just destroyed my carport. The cause was a microburst.
A microburst several states from me uprooted 3 giant trees at a friend’s house, sending them flying like torpedoes. One was embedded several feet into their basement straight through asphalt paving. No neighbors had damage. These events do not make the news.
I see that NYC and Brooklyn have plans for mitigating sea level rise. I doubt the plans could handle a 10 foot rise. Developers’ profits are on a very small time scale. Its so strange to witness a rearrangement of deck chairs on the Titanic. But some shorter time scale enjoyment will occur, at least.
It is extremely difficult to protect against 10 foot sea level rise, especially in combination with more powerful storms. We won't reach that point until somewhere in the 22nd century, and if we do take the right measures in time we will never have to go there. But, looking at the lack of commitment worldwide to stop the use of fossil fuels, I fear that -perhaps with a bit of delay - people in the next century will see a sea level rise of 6 foot or even much more. It is a sad thought, espcially since we know how to stop climate change
After listening to the interview I went and ordered a copy of The Great Melt - did you know we had a tornado in Rome (Italy) two weeks ago?! More specifically it was a water spout that hovered around the coast... it was terrifying for those who witnessed it.
It's a great book, especially since it often brings you back to the individual level where people are impacted, while it also describes the bigger picture. It very readable which is often a problem with books about climate change. I can highly recommend it. And that tornado is quite special. Not sure if there is a linkage to climate change (my first guess is that this one may be less easy to attribute to climate change, although one factor, increased humidity, likely plays a role), but there is already so much else going on in Italy that you can directly link to climate change.
Gratitude for your invaluable advocacy.
Thank you, Mary!
A terrifying but excellent article. I’d heard nothing of this impending disaster until reading your article. How can something with such horrific consequences be so easily ignored. Again, if it’s not expected to happen on the current leaders watch, it’s not worth worrying about. And as you said, all those leaders at Glasgow trying to exhibit leadership that’s not there.
Last week’s podcast with Alister Doyle was great. I look forward to the next one. Another critically important topic forthcoming.
Thanks, glad you like the podcasts!
🙏 I enjoyed the podcast very much, thank you Alexander!
Thank you Marian :-)
Unbelievable that this story barely even made the news let alone the headlines here. We are far from any coast, but as you rightly say - the people who are fleeing the coastal regions will become our neighbors. Plus, melting glaciers is also a problem in Switzerland.
I enjoyed your talk with Alister a lot and will definitely be reading his book. Thank you for writing about the important stories (I saw what you said about Reuters on Twitter and you are so right about that!) and for making this wonderful podcast. I only just saw that you posted the next one. I might just give that a listen on my 1am walk around the neighborhood.
thanks, enjoy it during your walks!