Climate Change too close to home

I was chatting with a friend this morning, describing the area I live in. It made me remember a climate prediction map I saw not long ago—and the result was honestly shocking. Around 25% of the population in this region could be forced to relocate. Railways and motorways might have to be moved. All because of rising sea levels and flooding. That’s the price of inaction on climate change.

If you’re wondering why I care so much about this, that’s why. I’m lucky—my home won’t be hit as hard as some places. But still, it won’t be untouched. And when thousands of people are displaced, they’ll need somewhere to go. Many will likely move near me. But if the water keeps rising, my area could be next. Then what? Everyone who moved here would have to move again. It’s not a small patch of land we’re talking about—it’s a whole way of life that could become impossible.

There’s one major thing we’ve built here that’s toxic. I won’t name it, but it’s a symbol of how we’ve ignored the consequences. I’m proud of where I come from, but I’d rather not see it go underwater because people couldn’t be bothered to change their lifestyle. Local farmers are already changing the apples they plant here due the new climate. Can’t grow apples underwater for example.

We *can* avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Some damage is already coming, but we’re not past the tipping point yet. Not if we act. And if this is happening to my area, it’s happening globally. Most people live near coasts. Things will shift fast.

As much as I love the idea of living closer to the sea, I’d rather it stay at a safe distance—not lapping at my doorstep. That means rethinking how we live in the West. Using the tech we already have to clean up our mess. Reducing demand. Getting clever. Otherwise, a lot of people are going to end up having bathtime in places they used to call home.

Just some random morning thoughts that turned into a blog. I know I said I’d write about something else today, but writing’s like that—you write what you feel.

Ending on a more hopeful note: we *do* have an opportunity to restore, repair, and protect. Around here, we could build better wetlands and green spaces to shield homes and businesses. We should take that chance. Be proud of where we live. And protect it.