By Ruth Silman (September 27, 2017, 4:22 PM EDT) -- If Superstorm Sandy had coincided with Boston's high tide by a mere five hours, many neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts — including Back Bay, Kenmore Square and Kendall Square — would have been flooded, causing enormous damage and financial loss. As we approach the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and reflect on the recent devastating impacts of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria, it is critical to understand what would have happened if any one of those storms had taken a slightly different route or arrived a few hours earlier or later. Storms aside, sea levels and global temperatures are rising. All communities, particularly those in Massachusetts, must face these facts. Climate change will affect our overall economy and public health by impacting our water resources, infrastructure, coastal resources, energy demand, natural features and recreation. We must plan for these changes in our built and natural environments and implement strategies to prepare for the impacts....