Ben Shapiro’s Climate Change Advice and Its Flaws: Revisiting the Factual Implications of Rising Sea Levels

Ben Shapiro, a prominent figure in political discourse, offered advice in a blog post suggesting that people whose homes are affected by climate change should sell their properties. However, his argument and logic behind this advice have been widely criticized for both emotional and factual reasons.

Factual Accuracy and Climate Change Predictions

The first significant flaw in Ben Shapiro’s argument is the incorrect assertion that he personally does not believe in climate change. His position on climate change has been a frequent topic of debate, with supporters arguing that he addresses various environmental issues while critics assert that his stance is often inconsistent.

Any discussion on climate change must acknowledge that the Earth is approximately two-thirds water and one-third land. Even if sea levels were to rise by 10 feet, which would be a significant change, the water displacement due to melting ice would not affect the overall sea level consistently. This is because when ice melts and forms water, it displaces the same volume of water, leading to no overall change in sea level. Additionally, polar ice caps are primarily floating on water, so their melting does not raise the sea level.

Historical data show that sea levels have been rising at a consistent pace for around 20,000 years. These gradual changes are part of the Earth's natural climate cycles and are not solely due to human activity. The Maldives, for example, is often cited as an example of a nation suffering from rising sea levels. However, the reality is that the Maldives has continued to build new resorts and expand its infrastructure. In fact, the Maldives has been resilient and adaptive to environmental changes, gaining land through geological processes like siltation.

Ben Shapiro’s advice that those who own coastal properties should sell, while well-intentioned, may not be realistic or practical. Historical precedent and ongoing developments in coastal resilience indicate that adaptation measures can often be more effective than relocation.

Environmental Facts and Expert Opinions

When discussing the rising sea levels and their impact on coastal properties, it’s crucial to look at the actual scientific data provided by global experts. For instance, cities and towns built on coastal areas often implement measures such as sea walls, levees, and other infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels. These are not speculative or alarmist claims but grounded in concrete scientific evidence and real-world applications.

It’s worth noting that influential figures like Al Gore and John Kerry have not vacated their coastal properties despite the perceived risk. This confidence in their judgments suggests they believe in the effectiveness of adaptation strategies rather than the need for drastic relocation.

Conclusion

While it is legitimate to question the severity and immediacy of climate change, the focus should remain on evidence-based negotiations and solutions rather than sensationalist advice. The Maldives, Tuvalu, and other coastal regions have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Ben Shapiro’s advice to sell homes affected by climate change should be viewed critically. It fails to acknowledge scientific facts, historical precedents, and the adaptive measures taken by many communities. Instead, it perpetuates a narrative that can be misleading and destructive.