2100, which would threaten the survival of coastal cities and entire island
nations.
Source: International Panel on Climate Change—Geneva, Switzerland
Figure 11.11 Sea level rise (1700–projected 2100) A significant rise in the
sea level results in:■ Flooding in wetlands and estuaries, changing the salinity content of the
water, the water depth, temperature, and light availability, which can
seriously impact various life-forms that are unable to adapt ■ Increased
coastal erosion, which causes increased nutrient loads in the water
■ Losses in fish and shellfish catches ■ Waterlogging, which causes a
loss of various plant species ■ An increase in the number of storm surges,
which causes personal property and infrastructure damage—this results in
higher insurance premiums, a decrease in property values, and the cost of
repair or relocation ■ Oil spills that occur at sea, spreading further inland
with serious repercussions to the biota and the economy ■ The loss of
cultural, recreational, and tourism resources, which causes a loss of
livelihood and income ■ Saltwater intrusion, which causes decreased
aqua and agricultural production as well as the contamination of local
water supplies Slowing or Shutdown of Thermohaline Circulation
Glacial melting in Greenland would shift the saltwater-freshwater balance in the