U.S. government scientists say coastal sea levels in the United States will rise by 10 to 12 inches by 2050 — that’s about the same level of sea rise as the past century in just 30 years. 

Washington, February 17 (RHC)-- U.S. government scientists say coastal sea levels in the United States will rise by 10 to 12 inches by 2050 — that’s about the same level of sea rise as the past century in just 30 years. 

The findings were released in a report Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal areas will suffer from even more frequent and dramatic flooding, and water supply and trade routes could be disrupted.  

The country’s top expert on the issue says the projected increase will happen even if countries are able to drastically reduce emissions, though acting to limit Earth’s warming will help prevent even greater climate catastrophe.

In other news, a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change reveals the extreme drought plaguing the western United States is the worst in 1,200 years.  

Researchers at UCLA, NASA and Columbia University reviewed climate records dating back to the year 800. They attribute 42% of the severity of the current “megadrought” to greenhouse gases from human activity trapping more heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.