Politics and rising seas

Most Republican politicians are climate-change deniers. Denial is part of the GOP’s core ideology. But it’s an increasingly awkward position for Sen. Marco Rubio to maintain, inasmuch as his state, Florida, is one of the most vulnerable to rising sea levels. Miami Beach, for example, is already suffering from unprecedented periodic tidal flooding, and it’s only going to get worse.

Two scientific reports issued Monday (Feb. 22) state unequivocally that sea levels are rising faster than at any time since the founding of ancient Rome 28 centuries ago, threatening coastal cities around the world. The reports predict that sea levels will rise by 3 or 4 feet by the end of this century, and far more in the 22nd century, forcing the abandonment of many coastal cities. The scientists noted that, in the absence of human emissions, ocean levels would be rising less rapidly and quite possibly could be falling.

All three of the leading Republican candidates are climate-change deniers. Donald Trump has said, in his usual goofy way, that “Unless somebody can prove something to me, I believe there’s weather. I believe there’s change.” Otherwise, he’s said, climate change is “an expensive hoax” designed to give the Chinese an economic advantage.

Ted Cruz, whose campaigns run on oil and gas money, has outright lied, over and over, falsifying facts in an effort to prove that his opponents are deceiving the public on the issue simply to get money and grab power. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

As for Rubio, he’s convinced that addressing the impacts of climate change would destroy the economy. When 15 Florida mayors recently asked to meet with him to discuss the impending threat, he said he would do so, but that they shouldn’t expect much. “The climate’s never been the same,” he said. “It’s always changed.”

These men want to lead us into the future. God help us.