SURJIT FLORA
The global community is witnessing the consequences of intense rainfall in nations such as Dubai and Oman. This unexpected and turbulent rainfall serves as a warning not just for the Middle East but for the entire globe.
In Dubai, rainfall is a rare occurrence, and the city’s infrastructure is not well-equipped to handle significant amounts of rain. In Dubai, heavy rainfall can often result in flooding and pose various challenges, as we just witnessed on Monday . Nevertheless, Dubai has made significant efforts to enhance its infrastructure in order to effectively manage unforeseen weather conditions, such as heavy rain.
In addition, Dubai has become a leader in cloud-seeding technology, a practice that has sparked debate as it attempts to stimulate rainfall.
Although the government denies any connection between cloud-seeding and the recent downpour, numerous residents believe that the heavy rainfall is a result of the unintended effects of weather modification efforts.
Indeed! With a staggering rainfall of 254 mm in just twenty-four hours and relentless storms, it’s becoming increasingly clear how much human interference has impacted nature, and the consequences are now becoming evident.
However, some people believe that ‘cloud seeding’ may be responsible for such a situation. Perhaps another factor to consider is the possibility of sea level rise. Scientists and experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have been sounding the alarm for years about the alarming amount of solid waste being dumped into rivers and drains, according to calculations based on the global population of over 8 billion people.
As waste accumulates in the oceans, it is inevitable that sea levels will increase. It’s widely accepted that the interconnectedness of the world’s oceans is a well-established geographical and scientific fact.
This interconnectedness plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent water level across all the oceans. If the level continues to rise, cities like Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, and other coastal cities around the world, including some in India, could face the threat of being submerged in water.
The alarming scenes of Dubai that have caught everyone’s attention are now raising concerns for coastal towns. Global warming is responsible for this outcome.
Based on data from NASA scientists, it has been observed that the sea water level on Earth experienced a gradual increase of 3.6 mm between the years 2006 and 2015.
The level also rises as a result of the accelerated melting of ice glaciers at the North and South poles brought on by the planet’s warming temperatures.
In the event that all the ice on the mountains and poles were to melt, it is widely accepted among scientists that the sea level would rise by approximately 230 feet. This would have significant consequences, as it would result in the submersion of not only coastal cities but also numerous other cities, towns, and villages around the world.
This situation can only be described as a flood. Based on a scientific study from 2023, it has been projected that a significant portion of mountain glaciers will undergo melting when the temperature rises by 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This scenario would undoubtedly have catastrophic consequences for our planet and all living beings. It is crucial to acknowledge the potential consequences of rising sea levels, particularly the rapid erosion of shorelines and the potential threat it poses to coastal populations. Given the circumstances, it is possible for the low-lying areas to experience long-term flooding, leading to numerous challenges for the general population. This will have a negative impact on the water bodies, affecting the ecosystem for fish, birds, and plants.
Based on the 2022 report from the National Ocean Service, it is projected that the sea level will increase by two feet over the course of 80 years, from 2020 to 2100. It is crucial for individuals to proactively address and prevent such circumstances moving forward.
Amidst Dubai’s impressive landmarks, like the Dubai Frame, which showcases a glimpse of a futuristic cityscape, there exists a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our environment in the midst of constant development.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).