Encroaching Tides: What's at Sake for the U.S.

The eastern coast of the United States, from the Gulf of Mexico to New England, has one of the highest rates of sea level rise in the world. As a result of climate change, sea levels are expected to rise 5 to 11 inches by 2045, leaving communities like Miami Beach, Norfolk, Va., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Annapolis, Md. essentially inundated.

Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel of the Union of Concerned Scientists speaks to "Earth Focus" about what's at stake for major U.S. coastal cities and local communities, and what they need to do to adapt to this imminent threat.