Sea level rise will affect state

A new study states sea level rise threatens homes and infrastructure in Washington state. We should take this study seriously.

This new study involved agencies and jurisdictions at the federal, state and local levels. The study projects sea level rise in coming decades on Washington’s coastlines (Read the report at www.wacoastalnetwork.com).

This report prepared for the Washington Coastal Resilience Project, states that 9,000 homes in addition to community infrastructure built on our state’s vulnerable coastlines has a value of more than $5 billion.

The extent of sea level rise will depend on the quantity of global greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

So what can we do as individuals? Join non-partisan organizations such as the Climate Reality Project or Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

In Washington State we can help do our part to limit sea level rise and to combat climate change through support of ballot measure Initiative 1631. This ballot measure will curb greenhouse gas emissions and will create jobs.

Steve Rothboeck

Oak Harbor