Climate change will impact North Carolina coastal communities and coastal dynamics in the next century and beyond. Increased storm intensity, sea level rise, inundation, and shoreline erosion are just a few of the climate impacts that the state must address.
North Carolina remains vulnerable to sea level rise and erosion because of it low coastal elevation. North Carolina’s Coastal Resource Commission has advised state agencies to prepare for a one meter (3 foot) rise in sea level by 2100. Over 5,900 square km of land lies below the 1 meter elevation mark and is at risk of inundation.
To address these climate impacts, short-term and long-tern solutions are needed.