The sea level off Georgia’s coast is up to 11 inches higher than it was in 1950.1 This increase is mostly due to Georgia’s sinking land, and it’s causing major issues. There is 100 miles of coastline and 14 barrier islands on Georgia’s coast at risk from sea level rise, which are both not only home to wildlife and many communities, but protect inland communities from flooding events.2 Sea level rise around Georgia could cause the loss of not only important wetlands, but historic structures and communities. There are already over 13,000 properties at risk from frequent tidal flooding in Georgia.3 The state is planning over $1 billion in sea level rise solutions, which include dredging projects, building seawalls, and drainage improvements.
Sea level rise is speeding up
The sea level around Fort Pulaski, Georgia, has only risen by 11 inches since 1950. Its speed of rise has accelerated over the last ten years and it’s now rising by over an inch every 2 years.1 Scientists know this because the sea level is measured every 6 minutes using equipment like satellites, floating buoys off the coast, and tidal gauges to accurately measure the local sea level as it accelerates and changes.4
Sea level measurement from Fort Pulaski tide gauge since 1950