Rising sea levels are a significant concern in Australia and New Zealand for several reasons:
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High tides and storm surges may damage property in coastal areas: Higher sea levels increase the risk of flooding during high tides and storm surges, leading to potential damage to homes, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems.
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Threat to coastal communities and ecosystems: Rising sea levels can erode coastlines, leading to the loss of land and habitats. Coastal communities may face displacement, and critical ecosystems such as mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs can be negatively impacted.
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Impact on freshwater resources: Inundation can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, jeopardizing drinking water supplies and agricultural irrigation sources.
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Economic impacts: Coastal industries, including tourism and fishing, may suffer due to the decline of coastal health and potential loss of property and infrastructure.
While it is unlikely that Australia and New Zealand would disappear completely, the implications of rising sea levels are serious and necessitate ongoing attention and action to mitigate their impacts. Thus, the most relevant concern from the provided options is that high tides and storm surges may damage property in coastal areas.