Climate Adaptation: Moving in Your Region to Avoid Sea Level Rise and Wildfire

"Coastlines around the world are threatened by flooding, erosion, and saltwater incursions into wells and community water supplies. In the United States, the Southeast and Northeast are most susceptible to hurricane and storm surge flooding, as well as losing freshwater supplies due to saltwater incursion as the sea rises. In the West, coastal erosion, including the loss of homes on bluffs above Pacific beaches, and water supply issues are the primary concerns facing homeowners who live near the ocean."

"Rather than pull up roots and move across the country, most of us considering a change of homes will want to consider living further from the coast while avoiding other consequences of climate change. Since we cannot entirely avoid the impact of climate change anywhere, a change of homes should be accompanied by adjustments to your lifestyle to minimize its environmental impact."

Coastlines around the world face flooding, erosion, and saltwater incursions that threaten wells and community water supplies. In the United States, the Southeast and Northeast are especially vulnerable to hurricane and storm surge flooding and freshwater loss as seas rise. The West confronts coastal erosion and water supply challenges, including loss of homes on bluffs above Pacific beaches. Relocating further inland can lessen coastal risk, but relocation should be paired with lifestyle adjustments to reduce environmental impact. Climate impacts are already intensifying: the Western U.S. shows skyrocketing wildfire risk and smoke linked to human-forced climate change, heat-related deaths are occurring, and inland regions face catastrophic flooding and drought pressures.

Read at Earth911