The E.P.A.'s forecast on the rise in sea levels for the next hundred years ranges from 1 to 4 feet, with about 2 feet as the most probable figure. But I find it difficult to imagine any scenario where Long Island comes out the winner. Lives here could also be affected in other ways, Dr. Geller said. Rising temperatures would affect human comfort and health, and the resulting demand for more air conditioning could put stress on the electrical power system, as the past summer has already demonstrated. The changing climate could affect rainfall, too.
Warmer air holds more moisture, and many experts predict more and heavier rainstorms.
There may even be more severe nor'easters and hurricanes, making for a dangerous combination if sea levels also rise. But many experts consider such theories to be speculative. Despite efforts to curb the emission of greenhouse gases, population growth and the drive for development have so far proven to be stronger forces. We have storms that come through and raise the sea level by 15 feet in a matter of hours,'' not decades or centuries. Facing the storm problems of today is the best preparation for coping with a rising sea level in the future, he said.