EPA releases new report on effects of sea level rise on Mid-Atlantic region

The Department of Environmental Protection has released a new publication called Coastal Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise:  A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region. The lengthy report (784 pages!) covers ecological and economic implications of sea level rise, and while it focuses on the Mid-Atlantic portion of the US coastline (New York to North Carolina), it contains general information that may be useful in other regions.

As EPA describes it:

Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region assesses potential effects of sea-level rise on the U.S. coast during the 21st century, with a focus on the eight coastal states from New York to North Carolina.   Using the  scientific literature and policy documents, the report describes potential changes to barrier islands,  wetlands, other coastal habitat, and vulnerable species; societal impacts and implications of sea-level rise; decisions that may be sensitive to sea-level rise; opportunities for adaptation; and institutional barriers to adaptation. It also outlines the current coastal policy context in the mid-Atlantic region and describes the implications for the other regions of the U.S. Finally, the report discusses opportunities for natural and social science research to enhance understanding of potential impacts of sea-level rise and society’s ability to respond.

Download Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region (in its entirety or in parts) from EPA’s website.

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