Climate Impact on Coastal Areas
Changes in Sea Levels, Temperatures, and Precipitation
The coastline of the United States is highly populated. Of the 25 most densely populated U.S. counties, 23 are along a coast. Coastal and ocean activities, such as marine transportation of goods, offshore energy drilling, resource extraction, fish cultivation, recreation, and tourism are integral to the Nation’s economy. Coastal areas are also home to species and habitats that provide many benefits to society and natural ecosystems. Climate change could affect coastal areas in a variety of ways. Coasts are sensitive to sea level rise, changes in the frequency and intensity of storms, increases in precipitation, and warmer ocean temperatures. In addition,…
