US Navy Gets Sea Level Rise and Climate Change
Admiral David Titley is the Oceanographer of the US Navy. Not only does he have an advanced degree in Oceanography, but also in meteorology and climatology. ADM Titley heads the Navy’s Task Force on Climate Change.
He is extremely aware of the implications for the melting Arctic and rising sea level. Recently some of his presentations to the military have started showing up on YouTube. He is a good presenter. One of his recent talks at the Pentagon can be seen at http://youtu.be/CBBEyJVj5MY:
Having gotten to know him and heard him speak several times, I find him a particularly convincing speaker. Besides the authority of his position, he has a very modest and frank demeanor.
Rising sea level presents many challenges for the Navy. With a grin, he explains, “While the ships may float, for some reason we built all our navy bases at sea level.”
Admiral Titley takes a very pragmatic view of the need to get prepared for the melting of the Arctic and rising sea level. He also makes it clear that the more we can do to reduce greenhouse gases, the better, in order to minimize the future impacts.