Marine Life
What percent of insect pollinators and salamanders face high risks due to rising sea levels?
30%
What is Global Warming?
A long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature
Why do sea levels rise?
Thermal expansion of the oceans, melting of glaciers and ice caps, and melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
What kind of islands are most affected by rising sea levels?
What can flooding do?
It can disrupt sewage systems and in particular, threaten septic tanks.
How many animals are threatened of extinction because of rising sea levels?
1 Million
What extreme weather events can global warming cause?
Heat waves, droughts, and floods.
Which ice sheet impact rising sea levels the most?
Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets
What challenges to rising sea levels pose for small islands?
Coastal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and damage to marine ecosystems
What does saltwater break down tanks?
It is corrosive
What percent of land life is affected by rising sea levels?
17%
What has primarily caused global warming in the last few decades?
Human burning of fossil fuels
Why do sea levels rising pose a threat to agriculture?
The saltwater the seeps into plants as sea levels rise and cause floods can kill any salt-sensitive plants.
What is an example of a low-lying island which is at high risk?
“Our Lady of the Rocks”
How tall are seawalls?
Five to six feet above sea level
Why do rising sea levels pose a risk to turtles?
Habitat loss - threatens coastal nesting habitats and can inundate freshwater habitats
What are the main natural causes of Global Warming?
Natural variations in solar radiation, atmospheric chemistry, oceanic and atmospheric circulations, volcanic eruptions
How many mm do sea levels rise per year?
Appox. 5 mm
What is the major industry in small islands general and how is it impacted by melting ice and rising sea levels?
Tourism, and loss of beaches/tropical storms affect it
How can seawalls be damaged?
Constant exposure to saltwater or the impact of waves
How many species are endangered because of rising sea levels?
233 (any answer around 200 is ok)
How many degrees has Earth's average surface temperature risen since 2000?
2 degrees Farenheit
How many cm has the global sea level risen since 1880?
Approx. 25 cm
Other than tourism, what is one industry that small islands rely on and is even more affected by rising sea levels.
Fishing
On average, how much does a seawall cost?
$335 million