Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into an important topic: rising sea levels and how they might affect different countries around the world. This issue is closely tied to climate change, which has been a hot topic lately, especially after a big climate summit held by the United Nations in New York City. The goal of the summit was to come up with plans to reduce carbon emissions, which are a major cause of climate change.
Recently, ClimateCentral.org released a study that gives us a clearer picture of which countries are most at risk from rising sea levels. They looked at how many people in each country might face regular flooding, which means flooding that happens at least once every three years. This study used the most detailed sea-level data available to date.
According to a chart from the New York Times, if we continue to emit carbon at the current rate, about 2.6% of the world’s population, or roughly 177 million people, could be affected by regular flooding by the year 2100. Even if we make significant cuts to emissions, at least 1.9% of people in coastal countries would still be at risk. In the worst-case scenario, this number could rise to 3.1%.
China tops the list with about 50 million people at risk, which makes sense since it’s the largest producer of carbon emissions. Interestingly, the United States is ranked 34th, between India and Madagascar. Eight of the top ten countries most at risk are in Asia. However, when you look at the percentage of the population at risk, the Netherlands stands out. About 40% of its population could face regular flooding, but thanks to their advanced levee system, their actual risk is much lower.
There’s a chance that the risks are even greater than we think. For example, the United States has very detailed elevation data, which might make their projections more accurate. If other countries had access to similar data, the global estimates could be much higher, potentially affecting up to 500 million people.
It’s important to remember that these are just estimates. Climate change is unpredictable, and its effects can vary over time. Governments around the world are working on adapting their policies to address these changes.
So, what do you think about this latest climate report? Is it something that concerns you? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Explore an interactive map that shows the impact of rising sea levels on different countries. Identify which countries are most at risk and discuss why these areas are particularly vulnerable. Consider how geography and population density play a role.
Participate in a classroom debate on the effectiveness of current global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Take on roles as representatives from different countries and argue for or against the measures being taken to combat rising sea levels.
Research and present on various flood prevention methods used around the world, such as levee systems in the Netherlands. Discuss how these methods could be adapted for use in other high-risk countries.
Analyze data from ClimateCentral.org and the New York Times chart to create graphs showing the projected impact of rising sea levels on different populations. Discuss how these projections might change with different levels of carbon emission reductions.
Write a short story or essay from the perspective of someone living in a country heavily affected by rising sea levels. Describe their daily challenges and how they adapt to the changing environment.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
This episode of Dnews was made possible by the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy. Sea levels are rising, but which countries are most at risk? We have a detailed report, and the results might surprise you.
Hey everyone, Tara here for Dnews. There has been a lot of discussion lately about climate change. Last week, the UN hosted a climate summit in New York City to establish a plan for reducing carbon emissions. It’s a significant topic with many political discussions surrounding it, but one aspect that often gets overlooked is how climate change will affect people in different countries around the world.
Fortunately, ClimateCentral.org recently published an analysis that provides a country-by-country estimate of populations most at risk for regular flooding, based on a new set of sea-level data that is more comprehensive than ever before. Regular flooding is defined as a flood occurring at least once every three years.
So, who is at the highest risk? According to a chart from the New York Times based on this data, each box represents a coastal country, with larger boxes indicating a higher percentage of the population exposed to regular flooding by the year 2100. If global carbon emissions continue on their current trend, this could affect 2.6% of the world’s population, or approximately 177 million people. However, there are other estimates in this chart that account for more conservative and liberal projections. Even with rigorous cuts to global emissions, at least 1.9% of the population of coastal countries would still be affected, with the worst-case scenario rising to 3.1%.
Of the expected 177 million people affected, about 50 million reside in China, which has the highest number of at-risk individuals. Interestingly, while China is the world’s largest producer of carbon emissions, the US ranks #34 on the list, positioned between India and Madagascar. Notably, eight of the top ten countries most at risk are in Asia. However, when considering the population size, the Netherlands ranks highest per capita, with 40% of their population at risk from regular flooding. Fortunately, due to their advanced levee system, their practical risk is quite low.
Despite this data, there is a possibility that we are underestimating the risks. For example, the US has much more detailed elevation data than many other countries, leading to projections that may be too conservative. If other countries had access to similar data, global estimates could increase dramatically, potentially affecting up to 500 million people.
It’s important to remember that these are just estimates. There is considerable uncertainty surrounding climate change, and its pace can vary from decade to decade, especially as governments adapt their policies.
Speaking of adapting, our tech expert Patrick Norton has teamed up with Subaru for a series of extreme challenges. You can check out videos of Patrick putting the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy through various obstacle courses and challenges at revision3.com/subaru.
In the meantime, let us know in the comments below if this latest climate report is something you are concerned about. That’s it for me, but as always, thank you for watching!
—
This version removes promotional content and maintains a neutral tone while summarizing the key points.
Rising – Increasing in level or amount – The rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt faster than ever before.
Sea – A large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface – The sea plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide.
Levels – The amount or degree of something – Scientists are concerned about the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Climate – The long-term pattern of weather in a particular area – The climate in tropical regions is generally warm and humid throughout the year.
Change – A transformation or modification – Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events around the world.
Emissions – The release of gases or substances into the atmosphere – Reducing carbon emissions is essential to slowing down global warming.
Flooding – The overflow of water onto land that is normally dry – Coastal cities are at greater risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.
Countries – Nations with their own governments and territories – Many countries are working together to combat the effects of climate change.
Risk – The possibility of something harmful or undesirable happening – The risk of wildfires increases during prolonged periods of drought.
Population – The total number of people living in a particular area – As the population grows, the demand for natural resources also increases.
