[originally posted 5/15/09]See the great little animation of 350 on YouTube (:90)
Scientists now say that "the global sea level will ... rise about 10 feet (3 meters) if the West Antarctic ice sheet collapses. ... the maximum increase is expected along the East and West Coasts of the United States, where the water could rise as much as 25 percent more than in other regions."
What will that look like in Los Angeles? Take a look at this site and play with the variables from 3m to 6m. This map shows the high tide line (shaded). Keep in mind that storm tide lines would be well above that.
At 4m (3m forecast + 25% = 3.75, close to 4m) the map shows that we will lose much of the Santa Monica and Venice beaches, and much of the Venice and Playa Vista areas will be underwater regularly. Even some portions of LAX property show sea level threats.
This is important as we plan our Transition Initiatives and long term plans, and also as far as our awareness-raising efforts for the twin crises of climate change and peak oil.
Our TLA Political Action team is currently generating ideas to join the awareness-raising efforts of 350.org and participate in their Oct 24 Climate Awareness Day of Action.
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