Sea Level Rise Can No Longer Be Stopped, What Next? - with John Englander In a compelling lecture delivered at the Royal Institution, John Englander addresses an urgent global issue: sea level rise. He argues that sea level rise is now inevitable due to climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate and intelligent adaptation strategies.
Key Points from the Lecture
Historical Context: Englander draws parallels between past societal responses to environmental crises, such as the creation of London's sewer system during "The Big Stink" and the construction of the Thames barrier after devastating floods in 1953. He suggests that significant actions in response to climate change typically arise post-tragedy.
Scientific Insights: The lecture aptly highlights the difference between various types of flooding (storm surges, heavy rainfall, and tidal effects) and clarifies that sea level rise, though less dramatic, is a continuous process that will have widespread impacts. Englander presents statistics, emphasizing that carbon emissions and sea level changes are closely linked through complex scientific principles.
Addressing Misconceptions: A common misconception is that melting icebergs (floating ice) contribute significantly to sea level rise. Englander clarifies that it's the melt from glaciers on land (Greenland and Antarctica) that drives sea level rise, alongside thermal expansion of seawater.
Future Projections: Englander underscores that past models for predicting sea level rise have underestimated the speed and extent of changes. He argues for a rethink on projections, noting the potential for a rise of one to two meters by mid-century if current trends continue. The complexities of climate models make precise predictions challenging.
Urgency for Adaptation: The crux of Englander’s argument revolves around the need for proactive adaptation measures. He encourages audiences to consider long-term strategies for adjusting infrastructures and communities to cope with rising sea levels.
Economic Opportunity: Interestingly, Englander positions the challenges posed by sea level rise as a unique economic opportunity, suggesting that re-engineering coastal cities and infrastructure will become a major sector for investment and innovation.
Call to Action: Lastly, he urges attendees to disseminate knowledge about climate change and its implications for sea level rise within their communities, advocating for information sharing to foster widespread understanding of this pressing issue.
Conclusion
Englander’s lecture combines historical context with urgent scientific insight, making a strong case for immediate adaptation strategies to address the inevitable rise in sea levels. As we forge ahead, it is critical for communities to engage in discussions around proactive solutions, rather than waiting for climatic events to trigger substantial responses.
What are your thoughts on the implications of rising sea levels for your local community? Have any of you experienced flooding or environmental changes in your area that relate to these themes? Join the conversation below!