Global Warming

"Sea levels are rising worldwide and along much of the U.S. coast. (IPCC, 2007) Coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change. Key concerns include sea level rise, land loss, changes in maritime storms and flooding, responses to sea level rise and implications for water resources. Shore erosion also increases vulnerability to storms, by removing the beaches and dunes that would otherwise protect coastal property from storm waves (FEMA 2000). Historically, along sandy bay beaches, property owners have erected various types of sea walls to halt erosion. Although these hard structures protect property, they can eliminate bay beaches, which are usually less than 10 feet wide. Beaches are used for fishing, recreation, transportation, and landing small crafts, in addition to their environmental importance."

In the District, a Long Beach magazine, an article about the Breakwater Breakdown was published. They were discussing the issue of global warming causing rising sea levels. Although many people think that the breakwater might help restrain damage, they cannot prevent tides and are not a form of protection for oceanfront property. In the article they mention the United States Environmental Protection Agency and what to do about rising tides.

After reading the article, I searched the EPA website and found out that the erosion the Long Beach Breakwater has caused might be worse than the possible protection from everyday waves. If the breakwater was not present, the even flow of water might spread the sand across and protect our beach better. The breakwater might serve a small purpose in protecting rising tides, yet it would have to be doubled in height. The idea of the breakwater giving us a head start and completely protecting oceanfront property has been disproved and can no longer be a reason why we should not remove it.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FEMA, 2000: Evaluation of Erosion Hazards.

IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning (eds.)].

The District Weekly