The world is slowly but steadily sinking, and a recent study has shed light on a specific area, particularly certain cities that are nearing their perilous end. What makes this situation even more concerning is that it impacts millions of people.
NASA and scientists aren’t embarking on plans to colonize the Moon and Mars on a whim. Their rationale lies in the recognition that humanity’s future survival may necessitate relocating to a different habitat. The rise in sea levels ranks among the imminent threats they foresee, and it’s already manifesting in various parts of the world.
The Vulnerable East Coast of the United States
The spotlight falls squarely on the East Coast of the United States, the central subject of a recent study conducted by Leonard O Ohenhen, Manoochehr Shirzaei, and Patrick L Barnard, published in PNAS Nexus. They assert that the accelerated melting of glaciers will result in a significant rise in sea levels, causing grave challenges for this region.
Notably, this part of the world is home to several iconic American cities, potentially setting the stage for an unprecedented crisis. While efforts to combat climate change are still being considered as a solution, other experts, as previously reported, see migration as the only viable recourse.
A Slow but Relentless Descent
It’s essential to note that the sinking process is already underway, albeit at a pace and level that may not appear as alarming as one might expect. Currently, cities like New York, Norfolk, or Baltimore are sinking at an average rate of 1 to 2 millimeters per year, with specific cases seeing rates as high as 5 mm per year. While these figures might not seem significant, scientists are concerned about the potential acceleration of this sinking as more glaciers melt or if other events contribute to a surge in sea levels.
What is presently a few millimeters per year could escalate to double, triple, or even more, depending on future developments. If this transpires, cities like New York, which we hold in high regard, could find themselves in a state reminiscent of apocalyptic science fiction scenarios. Consequently, the authors of the study aim to bring this issue to the forefront, urging authorities to acknowledge the impending risks.
Preparing for the Inevitable
The study proposes that measures must be taken to fortify city infrastructures, particularly homes and buildings, to withstand the ongoing collapse. The objective is to make necessary adjustments to ensure that residences and structures do not succumb to submersion. Nevertheless, this is a complex challenge, and it is essential to recognize that some areas may eventually be submerged. Ultimately, envisioning a future where New York’s landscape significantly differs from its present state is a grim but necessary contemplation, with certain neighborhoods potentially ceasing to exist.
The authors of the study place their trust in government authorities to heed the warning and take proactive steps to prepare for the impending crisis. They provide concrete data to enhance the understanding of the situation, highlighting that, under current conditions, between 2,000 and 74,000 square kilometers of land are sinking at the aforementioned rate. This area is home to a maximum of 14 million people, with the possibility of the population increasing as the East Coast’s sinking continues. It is important to note that around 30% of the entire U.S. population resides on the East Coast, totaling approximately 94 million people.
Regardless of whether 14 million individuals are alerted to the current risk they face, there is no guarantee that the threat won’t extend beyond this figure in the future. Scientists and governments must collaborate to identify and implement solutions to address this impending crisis.
