This book is a great introduction to a problem that will affect millions of people in the coming century. It is not an overly technical explanation, so that makes it an inviting read for all people interested in the topic. The book design is somewhat cheap and it could definitely use more visual stimulation (especially since it's an introductory book), but for me that didn't take away too much from my experience. I would recommend this. ( )

A very thorough and patient explanation of the impending sea level rise that will affect coastal areas. The book is not overly long nor difficult to read, and is overall a good introduction to the topic, as it attests itself. Given these qualities it's too bad the book's design did not extend beyond chapter, subchapters, paragraphs, bullet points and the occasional illustration (charts and photos). This book is a great opportunity to let the visuals help the reader in understanding and retaining information, as well as being able to look back for certain tidbits and cross reference things. At the very least the book could have been in color for the illustrations and photos. That said, I'm glad to have read an intelligent and straightforward account of something that can be so polarizing in the wrong hands. ( )

Whether rising sea levels can be attributed to long term patterns of climate change due to the dynamics of the earth or human impact, it is happening at a rapid rate. This book addresses probable causes in an impartial way. More importantly it looks at the most vulnerable locations globally for the potential for storm surges, flooding and inundation, salt water contamination, loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and more.

Within the next century (and beyond) it will be necessary to anticipate and protect against rising seas. We are beginning to solidify the scientific knowledge necessary and we have the technology. While there is little political and financial will to support the costly measures needed, little to nothing will be done.

Reading this book takes awhile to absorb all that is packed in a couple hundred pages. It is understandable, interesting, and full of information I probably should already know. I found myself reading lots of excerpts to my husband which we discussed. Sad to acknowledge that the United States is not a leader in action despite the coastlines threatened on its own shores.

What I take away from this reading is the need to educate our children in geology/climate/politics - starting now - to change attitudes, ponder ethical obligations, and encourage more ideas for protecting our planet's population, economics, security, etc. Many of the scientists who became experts in their fields had their interests and careers sparked by Geology 101 courses. In my opinion, we could start much sooner.

Recommended reading. ( )

"Rising Sea Levels, An Introduction to Cause and Impact." by Hunt Janin and Scott A. Mandia. This book, an early reviewer selection, is a reasonable survey of the impacts of Rising Sea Level at a global level. The authors present both a condensed summary of the science underlying Global Warming, with its unfortunate side effect of rising sea levels, and a wide ranging estimate of the specific effects on the areas of the globe most vulnerable to its effects. Everyone should be made aware of the message that they bring to the table with this book but since it is presented in such a straight forward, undramatic manner with no sensational headlines or dire predictions it is not likely to reach enough people to do any good. The last couple of chapters are an attempt to project into an uncertain future and seem to suggest that even if we don't know precisely how much sea level rise will occur, we can be sure that it is going to keep on rising for a very long time and it probably would serve us well to start planning, and preparing, for it. ( )

This book made an important issue easy to understand, I found it interesting to learn about the complicated way the earth react to certain issues. And the long term prospects for different areas in the world. It was not to scientific for me and I enjoyed reading it. ( )