What the US might look like if the worst climate change predictions come true.
"America the Beautiful" could be unrecognizable in the not-so-distant future.
In January 2017, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency hinted at the possibility of an "extreme" sea-level rise scenario that would put some American landmarks, towns, and cities underwater during this century.
That scenario is considered unlikely, but possible. If the worst climate change predictions come true, parts of the US will be devastated by flooding and greater exposure to storm surges.
Research group Climate Central took the projections laid out in NOAA's report and created a plug-in for Google Earth that shows how catastrophic the damage would be if the flooding happened today. You can install it (directions here) and see anywhere in the US.
Here's what major US cities might look like in the year 2100.
In a worst case scenario, flooding caused by polar melting and ice-sheet collapses could cause a sea level rise of 10 to 12 feet by 2100, NOAA reported in January 2017.
Here's Washington, DC today. The famed Potomac River runs through it.
And here's what Washington, DC, might look like in the year 2100 — as seen on Climate Central's plugin for Google Earth. Ocean water causes the river to overflow.
The National Mall drew "the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration," at Trump's swearing-in, according to Press Secretary Sean Spicer. It sits at the foot of the US Capitol.
Future inaugurations wouldn't quite be the same.
In 2017, President Trump stood in the Rose Garden at the White House and announced his intentions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a deal between 195 countries intended to mitigate global warming.
In 2100, the Rose Garden could have an oceanfront view.
New York City is situated on one of the world's largest natural harbors.
The Hudson River could flood the city's perimeters and low-lying areas like the West Village.
The Financial District encompasses the offices of many major financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Extreme sea level rise could devastate Wall Street. Battery Park would be a water park.
San Francisco has a huge concentration of wealth and power in the technology world.
It's also a peninsula that's prone to flooding.
San Francisco International Airport serves over 53 million travelers every year.
In 2100, flyers might have better luck flying into Las Vegas.
Charleston, South Carolina, already has a flooding problem. The Southern city is flat and at low elevation, which makes it vulnerable to extreme flooding and storm surges.
In 2100, you might need a boat to reach the city's center.
Shopping at the Charleston City Market is a must-do for tourists visiting the area.
But the long row of red-roofed buildings could be submerged under water by 2100.
Los Angeles, which has the third highest elevation of all major US cities, might fare better.
Source: US Geological Survey
The projections show the Pacific Ocean climbing up the boardwalk, but that's about it.
New Orleans is no stranger to the problems that come along with sea level rise.
By 2100, The Big Easy could disappear under water. An estimated 500,000 people will have to leave the area in the next century in order to stay above ground.
Source: NOLA.com
After flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina destroyed 80% of homes in the New Orleans area, tens of thousands of people sought refuge at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
But the arena used as a "shelter of last resort" might not survive extreme sea level rise.
Boston is the only state capital in the continental US that borders an ocean. Extreme sea level rise could cause the Charles River to overflow and spill onto city streets.
Here's what Boston might look like in the year 2100. Massachusetts General Hospital would have to be abandoned, while Boston Public Garden would be soaked through.
Many of the country's top universities sit along Boston's Charles River.
The education world could say goodbye to the Harvard Business School, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University, among others.
President Trump has spent a decent part of his presidency in Palm Beach, Florida.
Source: Business Insider