Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

It is indisputable that global temperatures and sea levels are rising. While good scientists can disagree over how much impact human activity has on these phenomena, it is logical for humans to both reduce potentially harmful activities and research solutions that would remove greenhouse gases from our atmosphere. The second strategy is an essential “moonshot.”

The first strategy is a leap of faith. However, it is a leap worth making if every industrial country makes an equal effort. It is pointless for the United States to take radical action if China, India, etc. continue to pollute at current or increasing rates.  Such feel-good strategies are not supported by science. They would devastate our economy without saving the planet. Instead of forcing a destined-to-fail energy revolution, the United States should transition smartly by expanding our medium-term energy mix to include nuclear and more cleanly sourced natural gas.

Turning the tide on climate change will take decades.  In the meantime, it is only prudent we transition smartly to a lower-emissions economy and continue to invest in projects that will protect our coastal infrastructure against tidal flooding and storm surges.

Climate Change does not just affect the oceans and ice caps; it affects the land.

 Our amazing country has more than 654 million acres of grazing lands in addition to as many as 900 million acres of farmland. As America learning during the Dust Bowl, climate change and common agricultural practices can strip our soils of nutrients, causing erosion and decreased productivity. With more than 300 millions mouths to feed, we cannot risk another agricultural collapse. 

Regenerative agriculture includes methods of farming and ranching that restore the nutrients in our soil. According to the Noble Research Institute, these methods include adaptive grazing, no-till planting, no or limited use of pesticides, and synthetic fertilizer based on ecological principles. America must protect its land by investing in these methods.

“No civilization has outlived the usefulness of its soils. When the soil is destroyed, the nation is gone.” –Llyod Noble