Living near the oceanic coast is a possibility that appeals to a great many people. Ocean views, the sounds of the waves and the fresh ocean air are some of the great attractions to such a location. In many areas, the climate is also wonderful. The west coast is stunningly beautiful, from the mountainous and mild coast of British Columbia, all the way down to the sunny beaches of California.
Out east, the Maritimes and north-eastern United States offer a unique coastal lifestyle, while Florida and the southern states have their own coastal appeal. Few would pass up an opportunity to live along the coast in the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Indian Ocean.
Climate change may change this appeal.
Two of the largest threats imposed by climate change are rising sea levels and the increased frequency of powerful storms. Several models have sea levels rising dramatically by the end of the century, the worst of which wiping out many of the coastal cities and towns that currently exist. Even in the developed world, cities could disappear. Bye bye, New York. See you later, Miami. Where'd Vancouver go?
In the short run, this does not present such a great threat, especially in the developed world. But in the developing world, sea level rises of at least one metre have dire implications. A few months ago, the newly elected President of the 1200 island-nation of Maldives in the Indian Ocean announced that he was going to have to buy a new homeland for his people as the islands face threat of submersion from climate change.
The short-run dangers will be felt more dramatically by the increased frequency of powerful storms. Hurricanes are appearing more frequently and causing more devastation in the Gulf of Mexico. Just look at Katrina three years ago. They are also reaching farther north, hitting the north-eastern United States and the Maritimes. It will only get worse.
Oceanic storms and droughts are making life on the west coast less than desirable, not to mention the ticking time bomb of a massive Earthquake that is supposed to happen any second.
So what could this mean for the future?
If we look at Canada, the west coast is one of the most expensive areas in Canada. Try finding a modest single family home in Vancouver or Victoria for under $500,000. But as the realities of climate change start to sink in, perhaps people may feel less than inclined to live that coastal lifestyle. Imagine a collapse of the housing prices on the coast and the implications that could have on the economy. And where would these people go?
Signs of this are already coming to fruition. Insurance rates along the coast have increased dramatically as the risks associated with climate change also rise. In the southern states along the Gulf of Mexico, some insurance companies have even elected not to insure properties because the risk is too high.
The glitz and glam of coastal living may soon take a turn for the worse.
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