Last month's destructive storms that pummeled the Northeastern United States, leaving a trail of damage and flooding in their wake, serve as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change on coastal communities. Scientists who study the intersection of climate change, flooding, winter storms, and sea level rise warn that these events are becoming more frequent and severe, signaling a need for immediate preparedness.
The recent storms caused significant damage to rental properties owned by Haim Levy in Hampton, New Hampshire. Levy had to evacuate tenants and make alternative arrangements, as nearly two feet of water inundated his properties, resulting in extensive financial losses. His experience is not an isolated incident but rather a glimpse into the future of coastal living as sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more common.
While climate change is projected to bring more hurricanes to the Northeast, the rising sea levels pose a long-term threat to coastal communities worldwide. According to the United Nations, sea levels have risen at an accelerated pace since 1900, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. Additionally, erosion caused by these changing conditions jeopardizes beaches globally, as confirmed by European Union researchers.
The urgency for preparedness is particularly acute in the Northeast, given the projected sea level rise in the region. Hannah Baranes, a coastal scientist with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Climate Center, asserts that communities in coastal New England must make difficult decisions regarding rebuilding in the face of rising seas. Baranes cites the storms in January, which caused extensive flooding and the destruction of historic buildings, as prime examples of the severe events coastal communities must be prepared to face.
Coastal communities across several states are still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating storms. In Maine, working waterfront communities suffered significant damage, with docks, buildings, and wharfs destroyed or severely impacted. Patrick Keliher, commissioner of the state's Department of Marine Resources, refers to the storms as unprecedented, wreaking havoc on vital economic sectors such as commercial fishing.
While waterfront business owners are determined to rebuild, Maine's Governor Janet Mills emphasizes that resilience goes beyond restoring physical infrastructure. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive response, Mills has tasked the Maine Climate Council to develop a plan addressing the impacts of climate change. This plan may include strategies such as elevating piers, planting more trees along waterfronts, and constructing more durable infrastructure.
However, the threat of flooding extends beyond coastal areas. Vermont, which experienced devastating flooding during summer storms and Hurricane Irene in 2011, is actively working to establish statewide floodplain standards. Julie Moore, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, highlights the importance of being prepared for the future and acknowledges the unique opportunity to implement necessary measures since Hurricane Irene.
The necessity for preparation presents challenging choices for coastal areas. In New Jersey, the resort town of North Wildwood undertook emergency repairs to protective sand dunes without state government approval, leading to a legal dispute. Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council is urging coastal property owners to consider elevating structures and moving landward whenever feasible. Laura Dwyer, the council's public education and outreach coordinator, emphasizes the need for smart development, acknowledging the rising sea levels and the increasing frequency and severity of storms.
Recent events in Narragansett, Rhode Island, have further underscored the encroachment of the ocean on inhabited areas. A heavily damaged house tumbling into the ocean serves as a chilling reminder that with the changing climate, the sea is drawing closer to human settlements. Conrad Ferla, a resident of South Kingstown, advocates for a cautious approach to coastal building and believes that retreat to higher ground may be the best option for numerous properties along the shore.
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, coastal communities must confront the reality of adapting and preparing for more frequent and severe storms, flooding, and erosion. The recent storms in the Northeast amplify the need for proactive measures, such as resilient infrastructure, landward relocations, and comprehensive plans addressing climate change impacts. The time to act is now, as coastal communities face the challenges of an uncertain future in the face of climate change.
