Climate change in coastal

1. U.S. coastal counties face permanent inundation and flooding threats from sea
level rise, intense rains, high tide flooding, and severe storms. It is likely that
hurricane intensity has also increased over the past four decades.2
Scientists
project that as the climate warms, there will be more intense hurricanes as well
as increased rainfall.3
Although there is uncertainty about where, when, and how
much sea level will rise, scientists are highly confident there will be significant
impacts on coastal communities even at lower-end estimates.4
Other climate
threats to coasts include ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, and saltwater
intrusion.
Many communities are taking steps to protect coasts from climate change. For
example, some communities are elevating buildings or constructing barriers to
shield people, businesses, and property from flooding and storm surge.5,6
Others
are restoring coastal habitats and using nature-based features to build coastal
resilience. Many coastal cities and counties are focusing on land use planning to
encourage smart growth and reduce the impacts of climate change. Yet,
elsewhere, communities are relocating entirely; members of the Isle de Jean
Charles Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Tribe are planning to resettle
inland after losing 98% of their tribal lands to rising seas.7, 8
Explore the sections on this page to learn more about climate impacts on coasts:
 Top Climate Impacts on Coasts
 Coasts and the Economy
 Environmental Justice and Equity
 What We Can Do
 Related Resources
Top Climate Impacts on Coasts
The effects of climate change on the nation’s coasts have been observed for
decades. Three key impacts of climate change are described in this section.
1. Coastal Property and Infrastructure
A growing concentration of people live in the nation’s coastal areas. In fact, while
coastal counties make up only 10% of the nation’s land mass (excluding Alaska),
they are home to 40% of the population. Climate change impacts to coastal
communities affect not only human health, but also properties, infrastructure, and
services.

2. U.S. coasts are home to trillions of dollars' worth of real estate.12
More than $1 trillion worth of property is located within 700 feet of the
coast.9
These properties’ proximity to water bodies may put them at risk of
extreme weather events, hurricanes, sea level rise, and high tide
flooding.10
These threats can damage or destroy property or make real estate
uninhabitable. In turn, property losses potentially affect local economies by
shuttering brick-and-mortar businesses, lowering tax revenues, and diverting
resources from public services. Losing a home or business may also cause
mental health impacts, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder.11
In addition to homes and businesses, critical coastal infrastructure is also at risk.
The nation’s coasts are home to many military bases, airports, power plants, oil
refining facilities, and other infrastructure. More than 60,000 miles of roads and
bridges are located in U.S. coastal floodplains.13
Increased flooding of roads and
bridges can delay or disrupt transportation, affecting peoples’ everyday routines,
including their ability get to work or school, obtain food and supplies, and receive
medical care. Increased flooding can also affect emergency preparedness and
response efforts.