Issue: Rising sea levels

1) What is causing this issue?

The main reason behind the cause of this issue is global warming. Global warming affects sea levels in two ways. The first one is by melting glaciers and ice sheets which add fresh water into the oceans. The second one is by causing the volume of the ocean to expand as the water warms up. 

2) How are human settlements affected by this problem?

Rising sea levels cause floods when rivers no longer flow into the ocean due to high sea levels, which play a big role in damaging human-made settlements. If sea water seeps into farms and reservoirs, our drinking water and our ability to grow crops will both be harmed. This will make human life harder to sustain. 

3) Are any settlements in Canada affected? What about the rest of the world?

The roughly 6.5 million people living along Canada’s coastline are currently threatened by rising sea levels. Storms caused by sea level rise could cause billions of dollars in damages. Not only Canada’s but the majority of the coastline cities, especially Jakarta, are at great risk. The ground of Jakarta has sunk 2.5 meters in less than ten years. In particular, Asian cities will be affected more than others.  

4) What could be the global impact even on settlements in areas that are not

directly affected?

Even in non-affected areas, people will continue to panic because they are worried about the issue affecting them. Although it may not be at the moment, if we don't try and prevent this issue from causing too much damage, the areas that are not currently not affected will be affected in the future.

5) Are any specific groups (eg. indigenous peoples) negatively impacted?

Indigenous peoples are specifically being negatively impacted by sea level rise because they are in the risk of losing their homes and aspects of their culture. 

6) Are rural and urban settlements equally affected?

Both urban and rural cities are located alongside the coastline. Urban settlements might receive damage due to its rich infrastructure, while rural settlements have the potential to receive the same amount of damage to its crops and fields. Overall, I would conclude that both settlements are equally affected but one may not take longer to restore than the other, for example the urban settlements. 

7) What solutions have been proposed to address this problem? (These solutions

can be changes to laws, infrastructure, etc.)

Since sea level rise mostly affects coastal areas, restoring natural infrastructure can help act as a buffer against storms and floods. For example, seawalls because they can absorb storm surge. 

8) What can the average person do (eg. change habits, encourage politicians to pass

certain laws, etc.)

As we know global warming is the main cause of sea level rise, preventing global warming would be the reasonable solution. Reducing our carbon footprint, planting more trees, reducing our energy use and spreading awareness for sea level rise are all things we can involve in our daily life. For example, leaving your car at home and taking public transport or walking to places can help limit pollution released into the air. These small changes could help resolve the issue.