Disturbing before-and-after photos show what major US cities could look like in the year 2100

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washington dc memorials climate change

Google Earth/Climate Central

Washington, DC.

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In January, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency hinted at the possibility of an "extreme" sea-level rise scenario that would put some American landmarks, towns, and cities underwater during this century.

That scenario is considered unlikely, but possible. If the worst climate change predictions come true, parts of the US will be devastated by flooding and greater exposure to storm surges.

Research and advocacy group Climate Central took the projections laid out in NOAA's report and created a plug-in for Google Earth that shows how catastrophic the damage would be if the flooding happened today. You can install it (directions here) and see anywhere in the US.

We surveyed major US cities to see what they might look like in the year 2100.

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