PRINCETON, N.J. – Today, Climate Central
released a sea-level rise and coastal flood risk tool for coastal New
England states. The organization's research in this area was recently
highlighted at the launch of The White House's Climate Data Initiative.
The tool is available at sealevel.climatecentral.org.
According
to the Surging Seas analysis, the risk of an extreme flood is
increasing in coastal cities throughout New England as sea levels rise
due in large part to climate change. After accounting for potential
protections from dams and other flood control structures, more than
84,000 people and $32 billion in property across New England are at risk
of extreme coastal flooding.
An extreme coastal flood in New England ranges from 4 to 6 feet above the high tide line depending upon the area.
Here's a snapshot of what this means for New England coastal states, based on a moderate-to-high sea level rise scenario:
- In Massachusetts, 47,888 people reside on land that is exposed to 4-f floods. Of this total, 17,662 are considered highly vulnerable, based on social and economic criteria. There is a 67 percent chance of a flood this high in Boston by 2030.
- In Rhode Island, more than $4.3 billion worth of property lies on land less than 5 feet above the high tide line. There is a 1-in-3 chance of a flood this high in Newport, R.I., by 2040.
- In New Hampshire, $1.08 billion worth of N.H. property lies on land less than 4 feet above the high tide line. There is a 40 percent chance of a flood this high by 2040.
- In Maine, 58,379 acres of land are situated 4 feet above the high tide line. There is a 40 percent chance of a flood this high in Portland, Maine, by 2040.
- In Connecticut, $14.9 billion in property and 53,406 people are situated on land that is less than 6 feet above the high tide line. There is a 1-in-3 chance of a flood this high in Bridgeport, Ct., by 2040.
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