Seven Wishes wrote:Wow. What a mind-bogglingly ignorant statement.
Twelve percent of the world's population would be displaced with a sea level rise of just 20 feet. Double that, and the number hits 33%. Now, I know Republicans have no idea how local, regional, national, or global economies work, but it doesn't take a Koch brother to realize the permanent and catastrophic damage that would occur as a consequence.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/science/earth/seeking-clues-about-sea-level-from-fossil-beaches.html?hp&_r=0
You obviously missed my point. My point is that just because populations evolve to live near shorelines and just because humans are where they are means very little to mother earth and what the sea level is. Jesus, how did you not get that from my statement? Just because much of the world's population would be displaced doesn't mean oceans will be kind enough not to rise. It's ignorant of humans to think that just because we want something we will get it. I'm sure earth has wiped out many people in a very uncomfortable and inconvenient way all through the history of life.
If scientists released information today about a discovery showing that a distant planet was barren, but at one time hosted intelligent life, and stated that the elements caused the extinction of such life, we would probably think "of course". Life forms cannot live forever in one place. The universe does not support that. So millions or billions of people being displaced by a rising ocean is nature. If we can't come to grips with that, we're beyond fucked. Because in no way will the ocean stay the same level forever. IMPOSSIBLE.
How about those people that bought lake front property ten years ago that now have to walk a mile and a half to see the water? Duh. Shit happens. It will be back. But I bet if the lake rises to the point of flooding their house, they sure will be pissed.
When I was a kid, the California lakes had all receded. Quite a bit, actually. Then they were just fine. Now they are down again. Guess what will happen next....
I will say this. For all that is happening, the droughts are very serious. I think it will be a terrible time as cities run out of water. I fear that society will not know how to deal with it and it could turn very bad, very fast. I hope climate change bullshit doesn't stop our leaders and citizens from coming up with real solutions. I hope everyone here is loaded up with emergency supplies and such.
PS. Koch brothers? Seriously? You buy into that? On the list of spenders they are like 50 something. They spend a lot less than the folks that support the other side of whatever it is they support. But is this the new monster under the bed?