Practice Problem 2: Rising Sea Levels

Historically, human civilizations have responded to the risk of rising sea levels with retreat and adaptation. As our cities have become more permanent in modern times, defensiveness is the preferred strategy. The adequate protection of low-lying regions and coastal cities from flooding, land loss, water-logging, and groundwater salinity is costly and technologically complex. Small island nations are most vulnerable to the relocation of coastal communities.

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Sea level rise is already occurring around the globe at unprecedented rates. The challenges will only continue to grow in the next few decades. It is important for scientists and engineers to work directly with communities to create policies that work for the unique circumstances of each vulnerable coastline.