As the Waters Come, Will Our Politics Rise to the Challenge?

From Superstorm Sandy to the recent devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, natural disasters make it difficult to ignore the rapid changes our climate is undergoing. Sea levels and global temperatures are rising, threatening the very existence of small island communities and historic cities alike. In response, scientists and policy makers are fighting to hold back the devastating effects of a drowning world, as Jeff Goodell chronicles in his new book, The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World.

Will international efforts be able to save us from an impending “water world”? What are policymakers doing in light of the uptick of natural disasters and the devastation they bring communities? Can Congress bridge the political divide to take action to guard our future against climate change?

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University. 

Featured speakers included Jeff Goodell, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone; Author, How to Cool the Planet: Geoengineering and the Audacious Quest to Fix Earth's Climate and Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future, New America Fellow, Class of 2016 and 2017 and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Moderated by Sharon Burke, Senior Advisor and Director of the Phase Zero Project, New America.