Why are rising sea levels a concern in Australia and New Zealand?
A.
High tides and storm surges may damage property in coastal areas.
B.
Australia and New Zealand may disappear completely if sea levels continue to rise.
C.
Rising sea levels are changing the climate of Australia and New Zealand.
D.
Storm surges are washing away land needed for subsistence farming.
What does your reading assignment say?
what do you mean
The correct answer is A. High tides and storm surges may damage property in coastal areas.
Rising sea levels are indeed a concern in Australia and New Zealand for several reasons. Both countries have a significant portion of their populations and infrastructure located near coastal areas, making them vulnerable to the impacts of rising seas. Here's why option A is the correct answer:
A. High tides and storm surges may damage property in coastal areas:
As sea levels rise, high tides and storm surges become more severe and reach farther inland. This puts coastal communities at risk of flooding and property damage. In Australia and New Zealand, many major cities, towns, and tourist destinations are located along the coasts. In the event of a storm surge, these areas may experience significant destruction and economic losses. Additionally, erosion caused by rising sea levels can lead to the loss of beaches and coastal infrastructure.
B. Australia and New Zealand may disappear completely if sea levels continue to rise:
While rising sea levels pose a significant threat to low-lying coastal areas, it is an exaggeration to claim that Australia and New Zealand would disappear completely. Rising sea levels are a gradual process that would take centuries to have such a dramatic impact.
C. Rising sea levels are changing the climate of Australia and New Zealand:
Rising sea levels are primarily caused by global warming, a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the direct impact of rising sea levels on the climate of Australia and New Zealand is relatively minimal. The primary concern is the physical impacts and risks associated with rising seas rather than direct climate change.
D. Storm surges are washing away land needed for subsistence farming:
While storm surges can cause erosion and land loss, the majority of agricultural activities in Australia and New Zealand are not subsistence farming. Both countries have highly developed agricultural sectors that rely on modern farming practices, and subsistence farming is not as prevalent as in some other regions of the world.
In summary, the main concern regarding rising sea levels in Australia and New Zealand is the increased risk of high tides and storm surges causing property damage in coastal areas, making option A the correct answer.