America’s Sea Level Has Risen by 6.5 Inches Since 19501
And It’s Costing Billions of Dollars
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.
Some Regions Have Even Faster Rates of Sea Level Rise
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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.
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.
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.