The following comment was sent in by John Bacon, St Augustine, FL in response to a Mirror article on Tangier Island published in 2017.
Gentlemen, In response to your fatal prediction (ah-la Al Gore) for Tangier Island, 30 years hence:
The Mirror Article states: “Tangier Island, home to a Virginia fishing town and about 400 people, could be saturated by rising seas and convert to uninhabitable wetlands by 2051, according to an analysis released Monday. The tiny island, which drew national attention for its residents’ support of former President Donald Trump and skepticism of climate change, is one of many Chesapeake Bay islands sinking because of local sea-level rise and subsidence. People have lived on the island since the 18th century, but the residents could soon face displacement. The new study, published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Climate, estimates that it would cost about $150 million to relocate the town of Tangier’s residents and as much as $350 million to bulk up the island and protect its shoreline.”
…may I suggest an alternative solution.
400 people = about 200 families (houses)$150,000,000 / 200 families = $750,000 per family$750,000 can buy:
1) a very large and plush “floating” houseboat for about $250,000
2) this leaves $ ½ million for a 1st class “floating” business (perhaps crabbing).
3) or any other “floating” business such as a grocery store, smoothie bar, or “floating” pickle-ball court.
4) any money left over (and there will be plenty) will buy boats, motors, and lots of beer.
It is logical, that with all the additional water expected by 2051 (an absolute certainty!) there will be a profusion of crabs. Thus rather than the good people of Tangiers fleeing their ancient hunting grounds and being faced with a career change, perhaps becoming amateur ecologists, they will be able to carry on their ancient craft as watermen.
They may even spend some of that newfound wealth in Cape Charles, which by that time will be the new “Venice” of the Eastern Shore.
Think positive: “A rising tide lifts all boats”
Leave a Reply