Bye-Bye California Coastline
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveils a new map showing the possible disastrous effects of sea level rise in California
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Love to hike around the Bay Area? Enjoy it while you can: According to a new map, recently created by Google and unveiled by governor Schwarzenegger, much of San Francisco will eventually be swallowed by the sea. The majority of California’s beautiful coastline will suffer the same fate, as waters along the coast are predicted to rise five feet by the end of the century. It won’t look like the blockbuster tidal wave we’ve all imagined, but the effects of such a rise in sea level would be catastrophic. Miles of shoreline hiking and camping would vanish.
The map unveiling happened on Treasure Island, which itself would be completely flooded if water levels rise. The map also showcased several other environmental maladies facing California if the state and its people don’t curb emissions in the next few years. Google and Governor Schwarzenegger also produced a Google Earth video, narrated by the Governator, animating the possible combined effects of sea level rise, diminished snow pack, and higher temperatures.
One state probably can’t stop the global forces that will affect it most, but that doesn’t mean Californians are taking it lying down. Among other approaches, the Governator has endorsed the Tesla electric car.
Check out the rest of the Governator’s plan for California below:
In the meantime, get out there and take advantage of Cali’s beautiful coastline parks while you still can.
-Jordan Olmsted
Rising Seas Will Swamp San Francisco (MMN)
Photo Credit: illiam