Maps reveal how climate change is poised to drown Louisiana

[Buster's Uncle]

Maps reveal how climate change is poised to drown Louisiana
Rising seas and eroding grounds are poised to swamp southeastern part of the state and half of all US oil refineries, ProPublica investigation reveals
The Verge
By Carl Franzen on August 29, 2014 11:48 am Email @carlfranzen






The fragile state of coastal Louisiana's defenses against rising seas were laid bare nine years ago to the day, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans. But the horrific damage to life and property caused by that storm pales in comparison to what is projected in the coming few years and decades: as a comprehensive and beautifully designed ProPublica investigation reveals, seas along the entire US coastline are poised to rise between 1.5 and 4.5 feet by 2100, while the coastline along Southeast Louisiana is on its own expected to experience a water level increase of 4 to 5 feet.

That would mean that most of the area known as "the boot" — which includes half of America's working oil refineries — would be underwater, a fact illustrated starkly by ProPublica's expert use of interactive, layered maps . And if you doubt the urgency of those projections or the reality of climate change, consider this: already, rising seas and eroding grounds have resulted in Louisiana losing 25 percent of its usable land (about 1,883 square miles) since 1930. It's honestly difficult to even conceive of the destruction that's in store unless drastic steps are taken to protect Louisiana's coastline. Read the full ProPublica report and just try not to be affected. And if that's not enough for you, take a look at the UN's latest report on climate change, which projects more catastrophic effects around the world.


http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/29/6082955/propublica-climate-change-sea-level-rise-swamp-louisiana