Facing climate change head on

June 11, 2012

ThinkProgress reports, "Virginia's legislature commissioned a $50,000 study to determine the impacts of climate change on the state's shores. To greenlight the project, they omitted words like 'climate change' and 'sea level rise' from the study's description itself. According to the House of Delegates sponsor of the study, these are 'liberal code words,' even though they are noncontroversial in the climate science community."

Progressive Point: Climate change and sea level rise are very real problems for Virginians and the many military men and women who live in the Tidewater region. Five to ten percent of Norfolk's neighborhoods are subject to storm flooding and sea level rise is already measurably impacting the readiness of our military ships. The danger is here and must be dealt with.

Denying climate change exists won't make it go away. Conservative politicians are playing politics rather than seeking out solutions for Virginia families. Failing to even acknowledge threats to our neighborhoods, economy, and environment is a failure of leadership. It's time for lawmakers to face climate change head on and deliver solutions for Virginia families rather than kicking the can down the road. 

Get the Facts:

• Scientific tide measurements in Norfolk show the sea level has risen by 14.5 inches in the last 100 years with the trent expected to continue. (Virginian-Pilot, June 10, 2012)


• The city of Norfolk spends $6 million a year to elevate roads, improve drainage, and help homeowners raise their houses. 5 percent to 10 percent of the city's lowest-lying neighborhoods have heavy flooding. Additionally, the naval base spends hundreds of millions of dollars brace piers to withstand rising water. (ThinkProgress, June 10, 2012)

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