We’ve been reviewing the riveting new study by Dr. James Hansen and 16 co-authors showing that prospects for rapid sea level rise and damaging superstorms are worse than previously predicted.
News coverage of the report has been sparse, but there are links below to the two best we’ve seen: CBS’s two-minute broadcast and a longer Washington Post piece that includes a good layperson’s explanation of the science as well as early comments by other top climate experts. The Post article has a link to the full study, and to a number of other interesting pieces of science.
To be clear, this is bad news. It is, however, consistent with the long-running concerns by Hansen and many other scientists that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has for years been ignoring key factors contributing to sea level rise and associated climate disruptions.
However, note that Hansen and others hold out hope that a little time yet remains for humanity to make a major course correction that could still limit climate changes to “moderate” levels (albeit levels that are already wreaking much pain and destruction) and avoid the worst scenarios.
NC WARN continues pressing Duke Energy – the world’s largest power corporation and the nation’s biggest polluter – to rapidly decarbonize its operations. We’ve gained much ground over time and are pedaling hard to grab more in every way possible.
Experts make dire predictions about sea level
by Jim Axelrod
CBS Evening News
July 21, 2015
The world’s most famous climate scientist just outlined an alarming scenario for our planet’s future
by Chris Mooney
Washington Post
July 20, 2015
15-minute video of James Hansen explaining the study
