Surf Cat

According to data from the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Michigan rose a full fathom (six feet) between 2013 and 2019. That is an entire foot a year. This dramatic change was not predicted. However, this does not mean our scientists are at a total loss for understanding what is happening. It simply demonstrates we are at the critical tipping point for further dramatic change. 

Whether you agree with NASA2 and more than 97% of scientists who understand humans have an impact on climate change, you cannot ignore the fact that weather is changing. According to the organization Great Lakes Integrated Science and Assessments, “The frequency and intensity of severe storms has increased. This trend will likely continue as the effects of climate change become more pronounced.”1

This poses good questions for residents of Kenosha. Are we going to have to foot the bill for further defensive wall fortifications to prevent the lake from encroaching on the commercial and residential areas that continue to be built along the lake front? Is this a responsible long-term solution if levels continue to rise? If the walls can’t hold the water back, who will pay for clean-up?

Are there any alternative responses to continuing to try to hold the water back if this issue becomes progressively worse? Maybe it doesn’t make sense to be build new construction in this area? Just thinkin’.

Ellen Ferwerda

Kenosha