A new climate research paper visualizes the threat that sea level rise poses to the world’s coastal cities, including Baltimore.
The group created images of the possible future of coastal cities under two different scenarios: if we continue to emit the same amount of greenhouse gases or if we sharply cut carbon pollution.
If the world continues its current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions, we can expect the globe to warm by 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
If we keep on our current path, the study projects, the Baltimore Convention Center will be partially underwater.
The study generated images of 184 locations throughout the world, including multiple locations in nearby Washington, D.C.
In D.C., the Lincoln Memorial would be on an island and Nationals Park would be filled with and surrounded by water.
In Maryland, rainfall, sea level, and flooding have increased over the past 20 years.
In Baltimore, the sea level has been consistently rising.
In January 2000, the average sea level was -0.12 millimeters. In December 2020, sea level increased to 0.16 millimeters, marking a 0.28 millimeter difference.
Areas in Maryland surrounded by water, like the Eastern Shore, are particularly at risk.
If the globe warms by 3 degrees, much of the Eastern Shore would be engulfed by water.
Starting this Sunday, world leaders will meet in Glasgow, Scotland for the UN’s climate summit, COP26.
The summit may be a potential turning point in the struggle to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
