“Distinguished scientists” told us that New York City would be underwater by now.”
No they did not.
Al Gore and some other phony politicians and media types were the ones who said that. Not one reputable scientist made that claim. The media made that claim.
Well, James Hansen said it, he’s a scientist, he’s held noteworthy positions in the scientific community and received heaps of awards and accolades, so I think it’s quite fair to call him a “distinguished scientist”.