Commentary: Sea level rise a concern for this generation, generations to come

Recently, I was invited to speak on a panel to discuss sea level rise. Sea level rise. A touchy phrase. It’s the kind of phrase that, when heard, is pushed away as fast as possible. The kind of phrase that brings up other distasteful phrases like “climate change” or “receding ice caps.”

Sea level rise is especially distasteful to coastal communities like Naples because we know that it will affect us severely someday, and that it’s starting to affect us now. This is why sea level rise should be a major concern to our current leaders so that the younger generations, like mine, can inherit a planet where the green parts are not submerged in blue.

If I have children or grandchildren, I don’t want to turn to them, point to a map, and say, “This used to be Naples my hometown. It was sure beautiful while it lasted!”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the oceans are absorbing more than 90 percent of the increased atmospheric heat. Paired with the fact that almost 40 percent of the population lives in high population-density coastal areas and that sea level continues to rise at a rate of about one-eighth of an inch per year — this is quite drastic.

What do I think our current leaders should be doing to address this?

First and foremost, stop making climate change a political issue — it’s not! Spread awareness. Start information campaigns to inform and spread mass awareness so that people understand the importance and impact of our actions. Start confronting climate change by planning for it and not just reacting to it. And start prioritizing the money needed to carry out these plans.

What can we all be doing to address this?

Become informed. In my opinion, knowing the consequences of our actions is extremely important.

Most are aware that saving energy, for example, is crucial when discussing how to deal with climate change and sea level rise, but many don’t truly know why it is so impactful.

When someone conserves energy and consumes less power, they are reducing the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants. These toxic fumes are major contributors to the runaway greenhouse effect that causes sea level rise.

What people immediately think of to lessen energy consumption are investments in expensive products such as solar panels or insulation.

While of course these investments are important, what is also effective in reducing energy consumption are the small, easy, daily tasks that everyone can do. The most simple of these is adjusting day-to-day behaviors. Things like turning off lights or appliances when not being used. Refraining from always using energy-intensive appliances or turning off air conditioning when not necessary. Things like replacing incandescent light bulbs. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights, or light-emitting diode bulbs can use 25 percent to 80 percent less electricity and can potentially last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Using modern technology like smart power strips, or advanced power strips, addresses “phantom loads” — the electricity used when electronics are turned off or in standby mode. Using programmable thermostats automatically reduces cooling when sleeping or away, eliminating wasteful energy use without needing to upgrade your HVAC system or sacrifice comfort.

Simultaneously saving energy and money. Spreading awareness is crucial. Planning, executing and being dedicated are just as equally necessary in order for future generations to continue appreciating and discovering the wonders of this beautiful green and blue (not just blue) planet.

Safira Schiowitz is a Naples student.

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