Rising sea levels paired with recent storm surges have been causing faster than usual erosion on Hawaii’s beaches and shorelines.
report -- and a possible"$3 billion loss in assets over the next few years," according to Maui Mayor Mike Victorino -- Hawaii became the first state to declare a climate emergency.
"The fossil fuel industry has not been forthright with the people of the world, an island nation just like us, all island states like us, and island nations are the ones that suffer the most, most quickly," the mayor said. Sadang blamed the rising tide on climate change."We are in fear of losing our place, everybody fears losing our place. We have to do something now."Seawalls and sandbags have been used as temporary fixes to protect properties and coastlines. However, they’re having adverse effects. After years of use, they've exponentially sped up the erosion of beaches by ripping up the seafloor and preventing natural sand replenishment.
"We're really suffering erosion because of sea level rise, which is secondary to global warming," said John Seebart, a representative for threatened beachfront condo buildings in west Maui."So that's the big deal," he told Raddatz."When you look at this building, how endangered do you think it is of disappearing if measures aren't taken?" Raddatz asked.
"This highway has been built too close, and we literally at this point have waves that are washing up and undermining the road," Blickley said while standing next to the highway as waves nearly washed over her feet. The effects of rising ocean temperatures will inevitably trickle down into the food chain. According to Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, coastal preservation manager for the Surfrider Foundation, there will be a"chain reaction" if coral reefs aren't protected.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Martha Stewart Rolls Out a Line of NFTsLong known for dining, drinking and decorating, Martha Stewart is moving into crypto. Starting with Halloween-themed pumpkin photos as NFTs, the lifestyle guru has a plan to sell more digital collectibles tied to seasons and holidays.
Read more »
The climate issue newsletterWho is responsible for fixing climate change? Our climate newsletter answers these questions, and more. Sign up here:
Read more »
The climate issue newsletterSign up to the The Climate Issue: The best of our climate-change coverage, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
Read more »
Blaming climate change, Turkish farmers count the cost of droughtRain fell on Bicar Icli's fields in southeastern Turkey for the first time in eight months last week, but he and other farmers are already counting the cost of a drought they blame on climate change.
Read more »
COP26 Climate Summit Consensus Is Sought After Decades of False StartsThe Glasgow conference marks the latest attempt to move beyond the withdrawals of carbon emitters including the U.S. and disputes on the financial burden.
Read more »
What Fashion Should Expect at the COP26 Climate Change SummitThe UN-backed climate summit is starting soon, and fashion will face mounting pressure for specific sustainability solutions.
Read more »