Ann Johanssen, Winning Photographer for the Climate Visuals Photography Award
WHAT IT SHOWS: Homes along the ocean front are pummeled by huge waves as a powerful nor’easter storm brings storm surge, heavy wet snow, heavy rain and strong damaging winds, in Scituate, Massachusetts, March 2, 2018. Nor’easter storms are expected to become more frequent and more destructive as rising sea levels and changes in weather patterns are creating stronger storms.
The increase in global greenhouse gas emissions, which traps heat in the atmosphere, is causing our temperatures to rise. Higher temperatures are causing glaciers around the world to melt resulting in rising sea levels. This in return results in more destructive storm surges, coastal flooding and erosion. It is projected that Massachusetts will have a 160 percent increase in the threat of coastal flooding by 2050.