Scientists say that sea levels are rising higher and higher. It’s even happening faster than expected. According to Cnn.com, scientists expect ocean levels to rise 1.3 to 3.9 feet. This rapid exceleration of sea levels is due to numerous causes. One of the major ones is climate change.

Climate change is a threat that the Earth is currently facing. It’s true that the Earth’s temperature is warming by natural causes, such as changes in the sun’s rotation and volcanic explosions: but it’s mostly humans causing damage to their planet. The carbon dioxide we produce from cars and factories (and so many other things) causes the earth’s temperatures to change. On top of hurting our various ecosystems, climate change can hurt humans too. Some diseases are likely to increase due to heat and heat waves.

So who’s to blame for this change of climate? Should we blame ourselves?  According to NASA, “The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years.” They also said that 90% of human produced gases causes changes in the Earth’s temperature. But does the sun’s energy play a major role? It would make sense since the sun’s energy drives our climate system. But some evidence shows that’s not the case.  NASA once again states that, “Since 1750, the average amount of energy coming from the sun either remained constant or increased slightly…If the warming were caused by a more active sun, then scientists would expect to see warmer temperatures in all layers of the atmosphere.”

This climate change also causes sea levels to rise. Scientists predict that by 2100, 147 to 216 million people across the world can expect their homes to be completely submerged. Cities like Miami and New York are in serious trouble. The financial burden would be devastating; it could cost 1 trillion dollars per year by 2050 if coastal cities don’t adapt.

It is true that this probably won’t happen until decades from now, but it’s never too early to change. We need to decrease pollution and harmful gases before it is too late. If we keep educating future generations, then the world will be a safer and cleaner place.