There's a fascinating article over on Earth Policy Institute detailing significant trends in carbon emissions.  Definitely worth a read.  Among the most shocking bits in the piece:

"The carbon dioxide that is not absorbed by these natural sinks remains in the atmosphere, where it traps heat. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which stood between 260 and 285 parts per million (ppm) from the beginning of agriculture until the Industrial Revolution, has risen rapidly in the last two-and-a-half centuries, to over 387 ppm today. The last time carbon dioxide levels were this high was roughly 15 million years ago, when sea level was 25–40 meters (80–130 feet) higher and global temperatures were 3–6 degrees Celsius (5–11 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer." [emph FT]

Shocking to think about... consider that natural systems are going to face some dramatic changes in the years ahead.  How would such a sea rise or temperature shift affect the area where you live?