Climate change described in dire terms
Across the mid-Atlantic and around the nation, the vocabulary of climate change has taken on the tone of a coming siege. Maryland describes its approach as "fighting climate change." New Jersey talks of resilience for those "in harm's way." Delaware considers "defenses, vulnerability, losses." All refer to adaptation and retreat, with sides bracing for battles over the rights of property owners threatened by rising water or by government action or inaction. Planners are viewing models of future sea-level rise in northern Delaware with mounting concern, already considering the tactical sacrifice of some land to protect nearby people and resources, said Collin P. O'Mara, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary. Sea-level rise forecasts show challenges in coastal areas of every coastal state. Drivers on I-95 will be able to see dry or marshy land along the highway become flooded with each high tide from Wilmington to Churchmans Marsh.
