Sea level rise and coastal hazards are putting human and natural communities along the coasts at greater risk than ever.
Sea Level Rise, Flooding and Storms
Long Island’s shores have some of the most highly developed lands in the coastal zone. Much of this private property is only inches above sea level, which puts millions of dollars in public and private funds at great risk. Even moderate sea level rise will result in a significant increase in the likelihood of flooding. More significant rise – or the occurrence of a catastrophic storm – would be devastatingly expensive. If the 1938 Hurricane were to hit the shores of Long Island today, it would cause $23.5 billion in damage. Nevertheless, social and economic factors on Long Island make building in coastal areas both desirable and legally and economically feasible.
