President of Marshall Islands republic calls for climate action

No other nation on Earth faces greater danger and adaptation challenges than does the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. Sea-level rise caused by the melting of polar ice and glaciers is causing world sea-levels to rise. It's not just a problem for America's East Coast metroplexes (Miami, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Tampa, Houston, etc.), but far, far more of our planet. Solid op-ed here.

North Carolina 12: Nature's toll road

I know just how tough it can be to make a decision affecting a local economy and communities' livelihoods. But if ever a road cried "close me down!" it would be North Carolina 12, the often weather-fractured asphalt ribbon that snakes down the Outer Banks. Yes, I live in Vermont, but in my many years of reserve duty at Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., I traveled on NC 12 many a time. The latest media coverage includes this article.

Some on Jersey shore just don't get the fact: The sea level is rising

As this article explains, some homeowners on the New Jersey shore refuse to grant easements because they fear losing their view of the ocean to newly built dunes. Well, geez, view or no view, the Army Corps of Engineers is hardly going to be able to stop the Atlantic Ocean from rising. Nor will it be able to halt future storm surges. Dah?

Spending gazillons to widen the Outer Banks?

This, buckaroos, is a giant waste of tax dollars. Sure, in the short-term, a widened beach may look OK and attract some tourism dollars, but the long term outlook, given sea-level rise and an increasing number and severity of storms, says otherwise. This article, in the  Virginian-Pilot paper of Norfolk, Va., says nothing about climate change and who is responsible.

Why Miami, Fla., is doomed to drown

Read this piece by Jeff Goodell. Then ponder a bit and ask yourself why our political leadership is clueless and has not done anything but burn more coal.

Most Americans balk at spending to save beaches

And no wonder that's what this poll found. Spending gazillions of tax dollars after every nor'easter wrecks the dune line at Beach X or Y is absurd. And that will be even more costly of an endeavor with sea-level rise driven by climate change. Oh, and rebuilding North Carolina route 12 down the Outer Banks? Start paddling, not driving.

How much of Florida will disappear under rising seas?

Quite a bit. Take a look at the interactive map the Miami Herald offers at http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/07/3273076/rising-seas-landing.html