America’s Sea Level Has Risen by 6.5 Inches Since 19501

And It’s Costing Billions of Dollars

Calle inundada en Miami

Flooding Has Increased by an Average of 233% in the Last 20 Years2

Although the sea level has risen by 6.5 inches since 1950, nearly half of it (3 inches) has occurred in just the last 20 years. This small increase in sea level has caused on average a 233% increase in tidal flooding across the United States. Minor increases of even an inch in the sea level are causing real problems everywhere—from Texas to Florida to New York. Higher seas mean more water and more flooding during high tides, hurricanes, and rainstorms.

Calle inundada en Miami

The Rate of Sea Level Rise Is Accelerating

Sea levels are now rising by about one inch every eight years,3 and that rate is expected to continue to accelerate.4 Why? Ice melt from Antarctica and Greenland, an expanding ocean, a slowing Gulf Stream and sinking land are to blame.

Created with Highcharts 6.1.3Sea Level Change in Inches195019601970198019902000201020160246

Some Regions Have Even Faster Rates of Sea Level Rise

Enter Your State

Though sea level rise and flooding are increasing in all coastal communities across the United States, the increase is at different speeds. Select a state below to find out about how the historical rate, forecast, causes, and solutions are different in each state.

Select Your State
Sea Level Rise National Map
Inches of sea level rise since 1950
Measurements Buoy

Scientists Know This Because Sea Levels Are Measured Every 6 Minutes

To monitor local sea levels, scientists use different equipment like satellites, floating buoys off the coast, and tidal gauges to accurately measure the local sea level as it accelerates and changes.

Measurements Buoy

Coastal Communities Are Spending Billions of Dollars

In low lying places, roads have been raised, seawalls and pumping systems have been installed, and fresh water wells have been relocated. Some cities have sufficient resources to deal with this problem while others do not. Solutions will be needed at the individual, local, state, and federal levels to protect coastal communities.

Louisiana
Louisiana

Louisiana has allocated $25 billion for risk reduction in their coastal master plan.5

Texas
Texas

The Texas Gulf Coast has an $11.6 billion storm surge protection plan.6

New York
New York

New York City has a $3.7 billion coastal protection plan for the next 10 years.7