Title: Climate Impacts on Coastal Areas | Climate Change Impacts | US EPA
Headings: Climate Impacts on Coastal Areas
Climate Change Impacts
Climate Impacts on Coastal Areas
On This Page:
Overview
Key Points
Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts Viewer
Impacts of Changes in Storm Surge and Precipitation
Impacts of Coastal Water Temperature
Climate Ready Estuaries Program
Impacts to Coral Reefs and Shellfish
References

Content: This rising acidity can have significant impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems. The impacts of climate change are likely to worsen problems that coastal areas already face. Confronting existing challenges that affect man-made infrastructure and coastal ecosystems, such as shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and water pollution, is already a concern in many areas. Addressing the additional stress of climate change may require new approaches to managing land, water, waste, and ecosystems. Top of Page
Sea Level Rise
Observed changes in sea level relative to land elevation in the United States between 1960 and 2014. Source: EPA (2015)
Click the image to view a larger version. Since 1901, global sea level has risen approximately eight inches. [ 3] [4]
In a particular location, the change in sea level that is observed will be affected by the increase in global sea level as well as land movement up or down. The motion of land can be caused by subsiding coastal lands, oil and water extraction activities, melting ice, or tectonic movement.