According to a recent study conducted by a team of independent scientists, a grim future awaits New York City: engulfed by waters.
Scientists predict that by the end of the century, sea levels in the area will rise as high as six feet.
This is not the first time researchers send out such warnings. The New York City Panel also released this year’s climate change report which states the annual rise in average temperature, sea level and also the increase in atmospheric moisture level due to changes in ocean temperature. All these changes will “worsen in the coming decades due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.”
Scientists determined how the worst case might look like. Results show a 6 feet rise in sea level by 2100 is the worst possibility. This phenomenon is expected to take place gradually. By 2050, a rise between 11 and 21 feet is expected. In 2080, the level will be even higher: between 18 and 39 inches and by the end of the century, the rise will hit a maximum of 72 inches.
So in 35 year, the Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island coastal areas will go through a dramatic change. In addition to this, hurricanes will also contribute to the massive flooding, together with above average rainfalls.
Climate change observations in New York have been made since 1900. The panel has calculated that the average rise in sea level in New York will be 1.2 inches per decade – this is twice the global value.
Among various conditions, beside direct deaths and accidents that can occur during flooding, the study showed that there will be a higher risk for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases together with affected mental health.
It seems Queens will most likely lose most of the land to waters, followed by Brooklyn and Staten Island.
In comparison to the 2013 FIRM report, the NYC panel obtained data that reveals there will be more areas affected by changes in climate in comparison to what was calculated in 2013.
Although this study was focused on environmental changes within the borders of New York City, similar data was obtained in other reports regarding Florida, San Francisco, and Boston.
The complete report can be found on the wiley.com
Image Source: Inhabitat
