Global Warming and the Places You Love

This is a guest post from fellow Sierra Clubber Jenny Coyle.

There's an old saying that residents of inland California may suddenly own waterfront property after the next big earthquake shakes up the state. Because, you know, the coast would fall off into the ocean. Climate change gives us a twist on that way of thinking. Sea-level rise would have ocean waves crashing onto land that is now well inland, and would submerge entire coastal communities in saltwater.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: "Landscapes will undergo radical alterations. Semi-arid regions will turn into deserts, coastlines will become saturated by rising sea levels, and the remains of the Amazon and other rain forests will turn into savannas."

Aside from cities and residential area, sea-level rise and the melting of glaciers would also have devastating effects on our wild places and wildlife. We're the stewards of the earth, and our actions -- or inaction -- have consequences for the planet and the flora and fauna we share it with and that we love to see along our favorite hiking trails.

And that subject gives me the chance to share with you a new social network we've launched, in which we celebrate all things related to being in the Great Outdoors. It's called Sierra Club Trails, and its centerpiece is a collection of trails -- both land and water -- along with discussion forums, tips, an events calendar, photo sharing, and much more. Compass readers are invited to sneak-preview the site and be among the first to add trails. We're in beta mode, getting Sierra Club Trails ready for the world -- but we need lots of trails added first. Click here for a sneak preview of this beautiful new website -- and add some trails!

Comments

[Bea Merry]

What a great article! I learned something new and enjoyed it. I will look forward to learning more and keeping up with this issue.

Thanks!!