Yesterday afternoon, Cape Hatteras National Seashore posted a video where an unoccupied house was taken away by the sea, sparking debate online about climate change. Zillow later began to trend as an investigative journalist Tolly Taylor confirmed that it was listed for $381,200. The reporter went on to say that this has happened before in other states as well. Taylor explains that in Rhode Island, where he resides and covers, many have had to choose between staying in their homes or moving due to rising sea levels. “Rising sea levels in Barrington, RI, will leave parts of the town underwater in just over a dozen years, including the restaurant shown below,” he wrote on Twitter.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) has confirmed that an unoccupied house at 24265 Ocean Drive, Rodanthe, N.C. collapsed this afternoon. This is the second unoccupied house collapse of the day at the Seashore. Read more: https://t.co/ZPUiklQAWA pic.twitter.com/OMoPNCpbzk
— Cape Hatteras National Seashore (@CapeHatterasNPS) May 10, 2022
This generated conversation online, as climate change becomes a growing issue in politics as scientists explain the real and increasing threats of a rising sea level. When some asked why a house would have been built so close to the ocean, many pointed out that they didn’t. “Not many folks were talking about climate change, and the house was more than a football field from the ocean” responded one person online, pointing out the plans of the house before it was built.
For anyone wondering "why they built so close to the ocean?", they didn't. When thr house was built in 1980, not many folks were talking about climate change, and the house was more than a football field from the ocean pic.twitter.com/orI7nyVMfZ
— OBXHokie ???????? (@OBX_Hokie) May 11, 2022
Still, not everyone was so sure. Some thought it was irresponsible to build houses so close to the ocean, while others explained that at the time, it was not that easy. Beach houses are often placed close to the ocean for convenience for the homeowners.
Many in RI have to choose between the cost of elevating their homes or the risk of losing them to rising seas or storms. https://t.co/xjw6MVd0yt
— Tolly Taylor (@TollyTaylor) May 11, 2022
Many also made a joke of the video, as the housing market continues to stress people out, especially as they continue to browse on Zillow. “Zillow now estimates this houseboat is worth $489,350” joked one Twitter user. “Unique amenities, such as a swim-in kitchen, and an open-air fish tank in the master bathroom. You’ll want to put in an offer as soon as possible because a bidding war is shaping up for this hot property!” another person followed up.
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Zillow now estimates this house boat is worth $489,350 https://t.co/t5mio4pjck
— Scott Wasserman (verefied) (@scottwasserman1) May 11, 2022
Although many found this as concerning evidence pointing to climate change worsening, others used the moment to discuss the housing market, which is also an issue many are facing. Either way, the video definitely did not sit well with people.
