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      The Sciences

      Drowning New Orleans

      A major hurricane could swamp New Orleans under 20 feet of water, killing thousands. Human activities along the Mississippi River have dramatically increased the risk, and now only massive reengineering of southeastern Louisiana can save the city

      • By Mark Fischetti on October 1, 2001
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      ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)

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        Mark Fischetti is a senior editor at Scientific American. He covers all aspects of sustainability. Follow him on Twitter @markfischetti Credit: Nick Higgins

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