Summary:
- The Outer Banks and our coasts are on the front line of the climate crisis.
- Total sea level rise at North Carolina beaches is expected to reach 2-3 feet in the hundred years between 1950 and 2050, resulting in 1-2 months of high tide flooding for cities like Beaufort.
- The crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and may decimate local tourism – but there are solutions North Carolina can pursue.
North Carolina’s coastlines are an inescapable reminder of the climate crisis as they face accelerating sea level rise, intensifying storms, and increasing coastal erosion. These environmental changes threaten not only invaluable ecosystems, but also the cultural heritage and economic stability of communities along the shores of North and South Carolina.
Rising Seas & Increasing Flood Risks
Coastal sea levels in North Carolina have risen by approximately 11 inches since 1950, with projections indicating an additional rise of one to two feet by 2050. This acceleration is attributed to melting polar ice and thermal expansion of seawater due to climate change. In Wilmington, for instance, sea levels have risen seven inches since 2010, more than double the increase observed from 1980 to 2009.
The grave threat of human-caused climate change is not disputed in the scientific community. The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences reported in 2021 that, “More than 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that climate change is mainly caused by humans, according to a new survey of 88,125 climate-related studies.”
The implications of climate change and rising sea levels for North Carolina are profound. Coastal communities are experiencing more frequent and severe flooding events, even during non-storm conditions. High tide flooding, or “sunny day flooding,” is a common occurrence, disrupting daily life and damaging infrastructure. Projections suggest that by 2050, areas like Beaufort, North Carolina could experience up to 60 days of high tide flooding annually.
However, North Carolina lawmakers have introduced new legislation to roll back the Tar Heel State’s climate goals. NC News Line reports, “Senate Bill 261 would remove the 2030 target for a 70% reduction in carbon emissions that was established in a painstakingly negotiated law that passed with bipartisan support in 2021.”
Erosion & Habitat Loss
The rising sea levels contribute to the erosion of beaches and the loss of vital coastal habitats. In Rodanthe, North Carolina, a village on the Outer Banks, ten homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean since the year 2020 due to severe beach erosion and climate change. The erosion rates in some areas are as high as 10 to 15 feet per year, threatening both property and the natural barriers that protect inland areas from storm surges.
Wetlands and estuaries, which serve as crucial buffers against storms and support diverse ecosystems, are also at risk. In South Carolina, the Lowcountry region is experiencing saltwater intrusion, leading to the degradation of freshwater wetlands and affecting agriculture and biodiversity.
Cultural & Economic Impacts
The climate crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities along the Carolina coastlines. The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of African slaves residing in the low lying Sea Islands of South Carolina, face threats from rising seas and storms. Their cultural heritage is at risk as ancestral lands become uninhabitable.
The tourism industry, a significant contributor to the coastal economies of both states, is also vulnerable. Beach erosion, flooding, and storm damage deter visitors and strain local businesses. Moreover, the cost of repairing and upgrading infrastructure to withstand climate impacts places financial burden on municipalities with limited resources.
Adaptation & Resilience Efforts
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, national leadership has shown concerns about gaps in preparedness. In a recent and widely criticized moment, the current FEMA Director publicly admitted to being unaware that hurricane season had begun—a stunning oversight for the head of an agency tasked with disaster readiness and response. This lack of awareness at the highest levels of emergency management raises serious concerns about the federal government’s readiness to support coastal communities as they face increasingly destructive storms. It also underscores the need for stronger, more informed leadership and coordination at all levels of government in confronting the growing impacts of climate change.
In response to these challenges, both North and South Carolina are exploring adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience. South Carolina has initiated projects like living shorelines, which use natural resources and materials to stabilize coastlines and provide habitat, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional hard structures.
North Carolina’s Coastal Resources Commission has released updated sea level rise projections to inform planning and policy decisions. These projections are critical for developing effective adaptation measures and allocating resources to areas most at risk.
Community engagement and education are also vital. Programs aimed at increasing public awareness of climate risks and promoting community-based solutions are essential for building resilience. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profits, and local stakeholders can lead to more effective and equitable outcomes.
The climate crisis poses a significant threat to the Carolina coastlines, impacting the environment, culture, and economy. Addressing these challenges requires immediate and sustained actions to mitigate tasks, adapt to changing conditions, and support vulnerable communities. Through informed planning, community involvement, and investment in resilient infrastructure, the Carolinas can work towards safeguarding their coastal regions for future generations to come.