Sea Level Rise by 2100 Could Displace Millions and Damage $1 Trillion in Property

A new study in Nature Climate Change projects that a one-meter sea level rise by 2100 could have catastrophic consequences for the Southeast Atlantic coast, stretching from Norfolk, Virginia, to Miami, Florida. Researchers at Virginia Tech warn that over 14 million people and $1 trillion worth of property could face risks from interconnected hazards such as flooding, beach erosion, subsidence, and rising groundwater.

The study highlights that 70% of the coastal population will encounter shallow or emerging groundwater, significantly impacting infrastructure and property. Coastal storms and hurricanes will amplify flooding, potentially affecting 50% of residents and causing damages to property valued at $770 billion. Additionally, the region could lose up to 80% of its sandy beaches, exacerbating the impacts of storm surges and flooding.

Subsidence, or sinking land, further intensifies these hazards, particularly in lower-income areas, where vulnerabilities are greater. Researchers advocate for holistic coastal resilience strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse climate hazards into planning.

Led by Patrick Barnard of the U.S. Geological Survey, the study utilized advanced geospatial and coastal modeling systems to provide actionable insights for policymakers and planners, aiming to protect communities from the compounded effects of sea level rise and extreme weather.