The AP just released the following story:

Global warming — through a combination of melting glaciers, disappearing ice sheets and warmer waters expanding — is expected to cause oceans to rise by one meter, or about 39 inches. It will happen regardless of any future actions to curb greenhouse gases, several leading scientists say. And it will reshape the nation.

Wow! The first amazing thing is the confidence with which AP makes a statement beyond the IPCC’s scientific consensus. This is what most of the experts I spoke to for my book said, and I’m glad to see it in print (kudos to AP reporter Seth Borenstein):

Few of the more than two dozen climate experts interviewed disagree with the one-meter projection. Some believe it could happen in 50 years, others say 100, and still others say 150.

The second amazing thing is this quote:

Even John Christy at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a scientist often quoted by global warming skeptics, said he figures the seas will rise at least 16 inches by the end of the century. But he tells people to prepare for a rise of about three feet just in case.

Looks like Christy needs to straighten Lomborg out.

The third amazing thing — and the one I (and I think Hansen) would take some exception with is “It will happen regardless of any future actions to curb greenhouse gases.” Still, Borenstein gets a stunning quote here:

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A friend of mine “assigned” my book to his 15-year-old daughter over the summer. When she was done, she wrote me a letter. The letter really touched me, and I thought I would share it here. The letter gives me some hope about the next generation — and boosts my desire not to leave them an irreversibly ruined world. They deserve a fighting chance to undo our mistakes. Anyway, here is the letter:

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Once again, I am writing this mostly off-topic post as part of a blog post writing contest — but I am hoping to become a better blogger and bring in some new readers. I have to pick the best of the submissions on “Tips & Tricks” (the full list is here) –and I’ve tried to pick ones that will be of most interest to general readers (and I included mine since you gotta vote for yourself, no?):

• Five Quick Tips On Evaluating Your Kids’ Teachers
• Beware of Fakes on Ebay
• Tips and Tricks to Get More Out of Your Laptop Battery
• Warning: These 9 Photoshop Techniques May Result In Great Photos
• Must Read Tips for Writing a Post that Attracts 15,000 Readers