Author: witor

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New Jersey finalizes higher elevation standards for the shore

Schmidt, S. (2026, January 22). New Jersey finalizes higher elevation standards for the shore. https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-shore-higher-elevation-standards/ 

 

This summer, New Jersey will be implementing a new policy that requires all new homes being built near the shoreline to be elevated four feet higher than current standards. This is the state’s way of adapting to rising sea levels, a process that has already begun to seek negative effects on various regions across the world. Rising sea levels have already taken some effect on the state, with beaches having higher tides each year and more flooding occurring annually. Researchers explain that this new height standard matches with the upper range of sea level rise projected in 2100. Many citizens have been criticizing this new policy, claiming that it is too costly and will reduce the affordability of housing throughout the state. On the other hand, there are citizens in support of this effort because they see it as a way to protect New Jersey’s future, and a way to prevent detrimental flooding in the future.

 

This article reflects the ways in which regions are adapting to changes being brought on by global warming, and is a powerful example of how communities can come together in the face of danger. I think this new regulation was a smart idea, because buildings that are constructed today will last decades, so it only makes sense that we are planning for the future. However, I also understand the concern of many New Jersey residents, as housing affordability is already an ongoing crisis, and this policy will likely cause an increase in residential costs. Overall, I think this article highlights the difficulty of balancing both the needs of current people and the needs of the future people, and that there is not always a black and white solution to every problem.

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Once-in-a-century floods set to become annual events in northeastern US in the next 75 years, study finds

Owens, B. (2025, December). Once-in-a-century floods set to become annual events in northeastern US in the next 75 years, study finds. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/once-in-a-century-floods-set-to-become-annual-events-in-northeastern-us-in-the-next-75-years-study-finds

 

This article describes newfound research that highlights the potential for coastal flooding to become a more common occurrence as sea level rise continues. Historically, large scale flooding events occurred only once out of every 100 years. However, at the rate at which climate change is driving sea level rise, many scientists predict that these flooding events could become an annual phenomenon. Researchers created a computer model that can take into account changing storm behavior and hurricane strike angles, finding that head on storm strikes can be much more devastating to coastal regions. The study also found that in America, for Northeastern states such as New York and Connecticut the main driver of flooding is rising sea levels, while southern states face greater danger from both sea level rise and storm intensity. This finding conveys that for various regions across America, sea level rise can be a direct cause of flooding, further highlighting the consequences that come with rising global temperatures.

 

This article relates to environmental science because it demonstrates how climate models can be used to predict future scenarios and provide insight into driving factors of change. I think it is so interesting how climate models are being used to support pre-existing hypotheses by scientists, and I think this further proves how dire sea level rise can be. The fact that this occurrence used to happen once per century and now will happen yearly is quite scary, and I think this information needs to be spread more urgently. I hope that these findings will help urge people to take action, as we are running out of time. Hopefully, people will come together to fight this issue before it is too late, otherwise the damage of yearly flooding will be massive.

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Something hidden beneath Greenland is speeding up Global Ice Loss

Hadid, R. (2026, January 18). Something hidden beneath Greenland is speeding up Global Ice Loss. Indian Defence Review. https://indiandefencereview.com/something-beneath-greenland-speed-ice-loss/ 

 

This article reveals a new found discovery that could be hastening the speed of Greenland’s glacier loss and overall contributing to sea level rise. Researchers from UC San Diego used earthquake generated seismic waves to map the subsurface beneath Greenland’s massive ice sheet, which allowed them to analyze the conditions of the ice without needing to drill holes. This method gave them deep insight into the conditions of the subsurface ice and showed them that the ice was much more varied than previously thought. The subsurface ice consists of rigid and more depleted regions that significantly influence the speed of glaciers and how fast they migrate towards the ocean. The differences in subsurface ice affect how glaciers slide, particularly when liquid reaches the bottom of the ice through moulins, which are vertical shafts. This discovery suggests that glacial melting is much more complex than previously considered, and may alter future projections of sea level rise.

 

This article is strongly connected to environmental science because it demonstrates how subsurface processes can significantly impact or determine climate related outcomes. I think it is so interesting how scientists were able to make this discovery in a non-invasive way, as they used seismic waves to analyze the ice without degrading it. I think this finding also shows how there is still so much we have yet to learn about various aspects of climate change, and this shows how important it is to continue to conduct research. I am wondering how exactly this finding will impact future climate legislation, and whether or not this process is the same in Antarctica. Overall, I think this article reinforces the urgency of climate change, and how it is causing damage we have yet to even discover.

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Greenland ice melt signals climate risk amid tensions in the Arctic

Sanders, M. (2026, January 15). Greenland ice melt signals climate risk amid tensions in the Arctic. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicasanders/2026/01/15/greenland-ice-melt-signals-climate-risk-amid-tensions-in-the-arctic/ 

 

This article delves into recent scientific discoveries regarding Greenland’s ice sheets and what they mean for sea level rise. In the GreenDrill Project, holes were drilled more than 500 meters into glaciers at Prudhoe Dome, and analysis revealed that the ice once experienced a complete melting process from 6200 to 8200 years ago. This was a naturally warm period on Earth, and if global emissions continue at the same rate, scientists believe they will match projected temperatures at the end of the 21st century. This finding proves that ice sheets are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and reinforces claims that many glaciers could be completely gone in the years to come. This means that sea levels will face drastic changes, as these melting glaciers will have widespread impact around the world.

 

This article demonstrates environmental science because it relies on ice core data and analysis to provide more evidence to a widely held belief. This shows how data from the past can be used to predict future situations, and I believe this is a strong warning of the dangers that global warming brings. At this point people who do not believe that this is a massive issue are choosing to be ignorant. I feel like every day more and more data highlights the dire situation that Planet Earth is in, and as a society we must listen to these warnings before it is too late. There is only a matter of time before the ice caps are completely gone and we can only reminisce over what could have been done to save them.

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The Maldives’ dramatic underwater meeting

Jackson, G. (2025, November 17). “this is going to be much bigger than we thought”: The Maldives’ dramatic underwater meeting. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251111-the-maldives-dramatic-underwater-photo 

 

Back in October of 2009, the Maldives, a country at severe risk of sea level rise, staged an underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the threats of climate change and rising ocean levels. Shauna Aminath and her team organized tables and chairs on the ocean floor for 11 government members to sign a declaration which urged stronger reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Photos of the event were widely spread internationally, providing more insight into what the future could hold if environmentally irresponsible practices continue to be employed. The event helped encourage the movement of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius rather than 2 degrees celsius. This further influenced climate activism, inspiring similar advocacy efforts worldwide. Now, sixteen years later, the Maldives continues to represent the frontlines of climate vulnerability, as they are the country which resides closest to the sea level, ultimately placing them at immense risk.

 

This article is definitely related to environmental science because it conveys how real world impacts of sea level rise affect our human population. It demonstrates how scientific projections, such as the 1.5 degree celsius goal, translate into environmental policy and advocacy. I thought the meaning behind the underwater meeting was extremely profound, as it represents a harsh reality that could easily come to pass sometime in the not too distant future. I think this exemplifies the fact that as a collective people we all must contribute and make sacrifices to prevent global warming. People often get too caught up in their comfort and lifestyle to be willing to make changes, and this shows where we are headed if we continue to live that way.

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New Jersey Makes Changes to Proposed Efforts to Combat Sea Level Rise and Flood Risks

New Jersey Makes Changes to Proposed Efforts to Combat Sea Level Rise and Flood Risks. (2025, July 22). Environmental Defense Fund. https://www.edf.org/media/new-jersey-makes-changes-proposed-efforts-combat-sea-level-rise-and-flood-risks

New Jersey recently created new amendments that outline a set of rules for buildings being constructed in high risk flood zones. This comes after New Jersey has faced numerous floods over the years as a result of rising sea levels. The amendment states that developers must construct their buildings to withstand four feet of ocean rise, however there are some exceptions for affordable housing developers. Although, some activists warn that giving too many exceptions may provide loop holes for developers seeking to cut down on construction prices at the expense of flood safety. Nevertheless, many community members praise the efforts in increasing safety for New Jersey citizens. The amendment also encourages other states to take inspiration, so that coastal citizens across the country will face less flood dangers.



This article is related to environmental science, because it demonstrates how humans are attempting to adapt to a change in our ecosystem. Through laws we are trying to impose safeguards, but this also conveys that coastal flooding has become such a massive problem in the United States that it now needs to be addressed in our laws. Although I applaud that efforts are being made to protect coastal regions, I am disappointed how we are more focused on adapting to the problem than we are so solving it. I believe that rising sea levels need to be seen as a greater issue, and the first step is addressing that these laws do not guarantee safety. Humanity is the direct contributing factor in rising sea levels, which means we also have the power to stop it. However, until homes are actually under 4 feet of water, I can’t imagine people making sacrifices to protect coastal regions.

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A crucial system of ocean currents is slowing. It’s already supercharging sea level rise in the US

Paddison, L. (2025, May 16). A crucial system of ocean currents is slowing. It’s already supercharging sea level rise in the US. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/16/climate/ocean-currents-sea-level-rise-northeast

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC for short) is an extremely important ocean current that comes in close proximity to the east coast of the US. This current carries saltwater, heat, and-perhaps most importantly-freshwater. However, this current is extremely susceptible to climate change, and as the AMOC changes, it takes a greater toll on sea level rise. When the AMOC is strong, it contains dense water, but when it is weak, it consists of less dense water which takes up more volume. As a result, a weak AMOC brings more water to our east coast, ultimately causing significant flooding. In fact, between 2005 and 2022, approximately 50% of east coast floods were derived from a weaker AMOC. The AMOC grows weaker due to it carrying an increased amount of freshwater, which comes from melting ice caps. This means that increasing global temperatures are having a direct effect on the AMOC.


This article reflects environmental science because it is showing a direct relation between human activities and the natural world, that being climate change and flooding. Once again, this is more evidence that rising sea levels are an effect of climate change. If climate change can affect something so seemingly miniscule as an ocean current, it makes me wonder what else it is impacting that we have not discovered yet. Also, I think that more people need to be made aware that melting ice caps are not only causing sea levels to rise, but that they are also changing ocean currents as well. Maybe if the public was more informed about this, they would take greater steps to ensure that our ice caps remain ice. Additionally, if shifting ocean currents are causing excess flooding in some places, this may mean that in other places ecosystems that depend on excess water may be facing periods of drought.

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An Ancient Law Could Shape the Modern Future of America’s Beaches

Dean, C. (2025, July 19). An Ancient Law Could Shape the Modern Future of America’s Beaches. Here’s How. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/19/climate/beach-erosion-sea-walls.html


One of the many consequences of sea level rise is that it is accompanied by coastal erosion. As oceans rise, larger tides begin to break down, or erode, structures and land that have not been previously exposed to the sea. This process results in beaches slowly being pushed inland. In an attempt to preserve their estates, some homeowners have been installing sea walls along their property that effectively expel these tides, keeping their land safe from erosion. However, this results in the disappearance of beaches because the natural flow of sediment is destroyed, ultimately repelling sand, and creating a barren oceanfront. Activists have long attempted to ban sea walls in the US, as they want to preserve beaches which not only bring joy to our community, but also are habitats for millions of animals. This ongoing struggle has forced many to choose which they value more: their property, or nature.


I think that the struggle between choosing money (sea walls) over the environment (beaches) reflects a serious problem in the US. People are so concerned with their riches, that they neglect what is healthy for Earth. Although I understand that people don’t want their properties to wash away, I believe that we should try to find alternate solutions that leave both parties happy. This relates to environmental science because it conveys how society is so caught up in greed, and how it results in a disruption of one or Earth’s natural cycles. Rather than create a solution that benefits everyone, people only look out for themselves. This sad reality happens everyday, whether a company chooses to use a hazardous plastic due to its cheap price, or a civilian decides to dump their waste on the side of the road because it’s convenient. The end result is always the same: another negative factor our environment must endure.

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Map Shows US Cities Where Sea Level Rise Is Accelerating

Burman, T. (2025, May 11). Map Shows US Cities Where Sea Level Rise Is Accelerating. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-us-cities-sea-level-rise-2070229

This article highlights the vast number of people that live in cities near the coast in the US, and how each one is at threat. Not only are sea levels rising, but they are rising at a faster rate each and every year. In an attempt to combat this crisis, cities such as San Francisco are attempting to construct flood barriers to protect its citizens and keep water out. Despite these efforts, in many places it still won’t be enough. In 2024, Rockport, Texas saw a tidal rise of 7.1 millimeters, and Grand Isle, Louisiana saw a rise of 8 millimeters. These are some of the largest rises that have been recorded in recent years, and experts are warning that in the years to come, these cities will be partially submerged.

This article makes me feel fear for myself and my fellow Americans. The fact that some cities have no last line of defence, and are at the mercy of mother nature makes me wonder what will happen once the cities are inevitably overrun. Not only will there be large amounts of displaced people, but there may also be shortages of land. This is because as sea levels rise, land is lost. Also, not only are humans at risk, but also species that depend on specific conditions near the coastline. The sea is rising too fast for coastline species to adapt, and they are at high risk of losing their habitats. This will likely lead to many extinctions that could have been prevented had we taken action sooner. The longer we abstain from changing our harmful practices, the less likely that we will be able to revert their effects and save not only our kind, but species that we coexist with.

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US coasts face a crisis as land sinks and seas rise


Weise, E. (2025, May 25). US coasts face a crisis as land sinks and seas rise. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/25/sea-level-rise-at-us-coasts/83817776007/


With the ongoing crisis of climate change wreaking havoc on the environment, it is steadily causing the rapid rise of sea levels. Increasing temperatures melt ice caps, but they also cause the ocean’s volume to expand as water molecules take in more heat. If sea level rise continues at the current rate, scientists estimate that in 30 years as many as 637,000 US properties may be partially below the tidal boundary. However, oceanfront communities are not the only communities at risk. Through a combination of subsidence, or land sinking, and a rise in tide levels, inland communities also face a serious risk of flooding. Subsistence is caused by groundwater pumping and the compaction of soil, and some places, such as Houston, have seen a sink rate of five millimeters each year. As a result, cities such as Philadelphia for example, are experiencing more flooding each year.

This article reflects the ongoing crisis of sea level rise, a crisis that is not addressed as much as it should be. I believe many people often attempt to ignore the problems that we are creating from climate change, as they view them as future problems, ones that they will not have to deal with in their lifetime. However, in reality we are already experiencing devastating effects. US cities are being struck with more and more flooding, and it is something that should not be ignored. In 30 years sea level rise will have caused billions of dollars in damage, and will destroy thousands of homes. This conveys how we all live within the restraints of the environment, and our actions not only affect those around us, but they directly affect us as well. It is important to understand that climate change does not just harm animals and ecosystems in far off places, but that it also takes effect on our very country. I hope that as greater change unfolds from the rise in sea levels, people will finally wake up and take action, hopefully before it is too late.