Waterworld, BC

The British Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club of Canada has released a map illustrating precisely what a projected sea level rise of six meters portends for the city of Vancouver; in short, it means much of the metropolis will be underwater.

The prediction is based on articles that appeared in the March 24, 2006 issue of the journal Science, which projected sea level rise due to melting glaciers and ice caps of anywhere from a half-meter in 100 years to as much as 10 meters in the coming centuries.

Science published its own map outlining the anticipated impact on Florida. But of course, the Sunshine State won't be alone. Coastal communities the world over (where most of humanity is concentrated) will be similarly affected. The BC Chapter's map helps bring that reality home -- to Vancouver, at least.

Anyone with Google Earth installed on their PC can view the map. Just download the kml file here.