Rising seas lead to problems with flooding, erosion, pollution and increased storm damage. Climate change also can lead to increased rainfall on coasts, and increased glacial runoff. These potential flood sources lead to risks like water pollution and contamination, especially in urban areas or port cities.
Indonesia has 1,500 islands at risk for high sea levels, some of which will likely be completely immersed by 2050. Just between the two year span from 2005 to 2007, 24 islands were completely lost (Sinha). These examples demonstrate what the rest of the world might be facing in the near future.
Indonesia has 1,500 islands at risk for high sea levels, some of which will likely be completely immersed by 2050. Just between the two year span from 2005 to 2007, 24 islands were completely lost (Sinha). These examples demonstrate what the rest of the world might be facing in the near future.
In the Pacific Northwest, areas that will be first affected include coastal marshes, beaches and tidal flats. In turn, these changes in habitats directly affect species such as plankton, salmon and shellfish, as well as animals who eat them, such as marine mammals and birds. The National Wildlife Federation analyzes the risks for coastal habitats along the Pacific coast and specifically discusses the reasons that certain regions are affected. As water levels rise, salinity increases in freshwater zones, and also changes the way that the ocean flows and interacts with rivers, etc. If water levels rise to sites where toxins are produced, the water can easily be contaminated, leading to issues with water pollution such as species endangerment and health concerns.