Google Earth/Climate Central
In January, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency hinted at the possibility of an “extreme” sea-level rise scenario that would put some American landmarks, towns, and cities underwater during this century.
That scenario is considered unlikely, but possible. If the worst climate change predictions come true, parts of the US will be devastated by flooding and greater exposure to storm surges.
Research and advocacy group Climate Central took the projections laid out in NOAA’s report and created a plug-in for Google Earth that shows how catastrophic the damage would be if the flooding happened today. You can install it (directions here) and see anywhere in the US.
We surveyed major US cities to see what they might look like in the year 2100.
In a worst case scenario, flooding caused by polar melting and ice-sheet collapses could cause a sea level rise of 10 to 12 feet by 2100, NOAA reported in January.
AP
Here’s Washington, DC today. The famed Potomac River runs through it.
Google Earth/Climate Central
And here’s what Washington, DC, might look like in the year 2100 — as seen on Climate Central’s plugin for Google Earth. Ocean water causes the river to overflow.
Google Earth/Climate Central
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
