World

Warming Temperatures and Rising Sea Levels Threaten Coastlines

Published

6 years ago

June 29, 2019

cars in miami drive over sea water that's flooded into streets

A hurricane is one of the deadliest types of storm that occurs on planet Earth. They rage on both land and sea, and form powerful winds that can create massive waves and shatter glass all at once. Whether on a boat or on a coastline, a hurricane is something to steer clear of – its destructive force can travel hundreds of miles, ravaging everything in its path. And as ocean levels continue to rise, they have the potential to destroy more and more property situated on coastlines. While it is unknown if climate change will cause more hurricanes in the future, what is almost certain is that they will grow in both size and intensity. Despite hundreds of scientists making this prediction, cities continue to build on land that may soon be underwater.

When Hurricane Harvey struck the United States in 2012, it caused over $125 billion in damages, making it the costliest hurricane in United States history. In fact, the five costliest hurricanes on record occurred within the past fifteen years. As climate change continues to change the ocean’s temperatures as well as raise water levels, hurricanes will have more of a chance of reaching catastrophic sizes. As temperature’s increase, winds will become faster, and precipitation will increase. Rising sea levels means more coastal flooding, and higher storm surges when hurricanes do hit land. This spells trouble for the US population, 40% of which occupies coastal counties.

Cities are making an effort to counteract hurricanes and reduce the possible amount of damage. Boston has $80 billion worth of infrastructure which stands to be demolished if trends continue the way they are. The city is considering taking action against future hurricanes, by building a massive sea wall, along with a number of coastal parks which will minimize damages. However, with forty-seven miles of coastline, it’s a tall order. There is currently no exact estimate on how much such measures would cost, but with the property values and length needing to be covered, experts are certain that it would at least be in the billions of dollars.

Superstorm Sandy alone cost New York City over $19 billion, and roughly $71 billion in the US overall. Affecting much of the east coast, it struck down power lines, damaged roads, and tore down branches. While cleanup services such as Palmetto Tree Service enjoyed a temporary bump in earnings, most businesses were not so lucky. Besides hurricanes, coastal erosion costs the United States over $500 million a year in property damage, not to mention an additional $150 million in beach nourishment. But in addition to lost money, coastal wetlands are also being lost at a rapid rate. These wetlands are crucial to the conservation of hundreds of species of wildlife. Without them, species already endangered and cramped into these areas by human habitation will be lost to the ocean. If something isn’t soon done to protect these areas, or to relocate wildlife in them, then more and more species will be lost every day. As is, things are only going to get worse.

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World

Swiss International University Granted TAG-EDUQA Accreditation Under AROQA Quality Framework

Published

17 hours ago

June 22, 2025

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU), an institution of higher learning that is recognized internationally for its unique strategies in teaching, is pleased to announce its provisional recognition with TAG-EDUQA. This award belongs to a small number of universities that have achieved the high level of academic quality required by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA). The milestone supports SIU’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to students in the United States and around the world.

The accreditation was headed by HH Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, the distinguished Arab business figure and a leading reformer in education, who is also the chairman of TAG-EDUQA. Further elevating the importance of accreditation news, the Secretary-General of the Arab League is Honorary President of TAG-EDUQA, indicating the regional and global recognition of this accreditation.

This achievement demonstrates SIU’s commitment to academic quality, value, and the experience of students. It is a major move in the university’s strategic vision to expand its footprint throughout the Arab region and in the wider world of education. The accreditation by TAG-EDUQA is a testament to the academic integrity of the programs at SIU, and it will further internationalize the recognition of the degrees and diplomas offered by the university.

Derya Briand, Academic Program Director at SIU, is delighted: “This successful outcome, at the first attempt, is an outstanding achievement, surpassing our expectations. It supports the high academic standards that we have now, and it ensures that the next generation of students will receive the benefit of that quality. Our ongoing pursuit of NEASC accreditation also demonstrates our commitment to being part of a global community while integrating the values and ideals of local educational institutions.”

The accreditation is a key element of SIU’s strategy to develop academic programs at the University and establish valued international partnerships. The university is a key member of an international education alliance championing cross-border academic collaboration. SIU collaborates with some renowned institutions, like the OUS International Academy, Zurich ISBM International Business Management School, Lucerne International Vocational Institute, Dubai ISB, and their own campuses in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. These partners are working to form a new educational model centered around inclusiveness, academic success, and multiculturalism.

The accreditation of SIU exemplifies how universities can balance the demands of local and international academic aspirations, especially given the growing importance of quality assurance in Arab higher education. As more Arab students actively search for internationally accredited institutions around the world, SIU’s commitment to student-centric learning, ethical leadership development, and international career preparation has received tremendous backing from accrediting bodies and education pioneers.

Moving forward, SIU is dedicated to improving its academic standing, increasing its global presence, and continuing to provide affordable, high-quality education to students around the world. The TAG-EDUQA Accreditation, stemming from AROQA’s stringent quality guidelines, will significantly contribute to these aspirations and enhance SIU’s position in the international academic landscape.

This success represents a ringing endorsement of SIU’s leadership in contemporary education and our continued commitment to providing cutting-edge, relevant, and forward-looking academic programs that meet both local and global needs.

For more information, please visit the official website at www.swissuniversity.com.