The neighborhood around Eastlake Terrace near the coast of Lake Michigan has seen the waters continue to encroach on its shores to the point that the only barrier separating the water from the streets is a concrete breakwall which was installed by the Army Corps of Engineers last year. That too might soon be swallowed up.
Edward McClelland who has lived in the neighborhood for ten years recounts the change that occurred along the beaches of Chicago. Due to the effects of climate change, some of the beaches, like Juneway Beach, have already disappeared.
According to the Army Corps, Lake Michigan is at its highest level since 1986, the year it set an all-time record.
In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that “[s]everal Great Lakes are expected to reach record high water levels in the next six months... residents should prepare for an increased risk of erosion and minor flooding during storm events.”
This is only one of the reminders that if climate change were to continue its march and we don't do anything to reduce our emissions and implement more eco-friendly and sustainable practices, soon we would be forced to move further inland and maybe even search for higher ground to escape the creeping waters.
(Image credit: Edward McClelland/Chicago Mag)