| # | how does this affect us |
|---|---|
| 1 | towns experience flooding more often, even during high tides. Storm surges from hurricanes and other storms can also reach farther inland. Beaches, wetlands, and low-lying areas gradually erode or become permanently submerged, reducing habitat for wildlife and land available for people. |
| 2 | Damage to homes and infrastructure: Roads, bridges, ports, homes, power systems, and water treatment facilities near the coast can be damaged or destroyed by flooding and erosion. |
| 3 | Saltwater can seep into underground freshwater supplies and rivers, making water less suitable for drinking or farming. |
| 4 | Saltwater intrusion can reduce crop yields by making soils too salty for many plants. |
| 5 | Governments, businesses, and homeowners may face higher costs for flood protection, repairs, insurance, or relocation. |
| # | how does does this affect people no where near the coast? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Many farms, ports, and food-processing facilities are in coastal areas. Flooding and damage can disrupt food production and shipping, making groceries more expensive everywhere. | ||
| 2 | Coastal flooding can damage businesses, roads, and infrastructure. The costs of repairs and insurance can affect the entire country's economy through higher taxes, insurance premiums, or prices. | ||
| 3 | As some coastal communities become harder to live in because of frequent flooding, people may move inland. This can increase demand for housing, schools, healthcare, and jobs in inland cities and towns. | ||
| 4 | Coastal flooding can damage businesses, roads, and infrastructure. The costs of repairs and insurance can affect the entire country's economy through higher taxes, insurance premiums, or prices. | 5 | Many goods enter the country through coastal ports. Flooding can delay shipments of products like electronics, clothing, and medicine. |
| # | how can we stop sea rising levels? |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less fossil fuel. |
| 2 | Protect and restore wetlands, which help reduce flooding and store carbon. |
| 3 | Save energy by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances. |
| 4 | Build flood barriers and improve coastal protection to reduce the effects of rising sea levels. |
| 5 | Plant more trees and protect forests because they absorb carbon dioxide. |