Several communities in the US are already dealing with the impacts of rising sea levels caused by anthropogenic climate change. Below, I explore three of the most dramatic cases: Miami, coastal Alaskan communities, and low-lying Louisiana communities. In Miami, scientists predict that by 2060, sea level will rise 14 to 34 inches above the 1992 average sea level. Measures indicate that it is already more than 8 inches higher than it was in 1950.

The city of Miami expects to spend as much as $500 million to raise existing roads two and half feet higher in some neighborhoods and add a systems of pumps to help decrease flooding. This work has already begun. The entire state of Florida is already expected to spend $4 billion to try and shield coastal cities and towns from the effects of rising seas.

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