By Dr. Ann Griffiths, 16 February 2022
In a report released on 15 February 2022, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in conjunction with other US and international agencies, presented projections of rising sea levels. The report projects that the sea level will rise on average about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) by 2050 (the change will be greater in some areas than in others, depending on the depth of the water, topography, etc.). This will, of course, be associated with increased coastal flooding and storm surges. The report estimates that the increase will be about 24 inches (60 cm) along the US coastline between 2020 and 2100 because of emissions to date. You don’t want to know the estimates if emissions are not curbed! The sea level changes will, naturally, affect naval bases. The question is, are we preparing for the changes? See the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report “2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report” at https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/sealevelrise-tech-report.html
