Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
Open Access

Socioeconomic and Ecological Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on Atlantic Coastal Zones

Michael Stendhal^{* *}Correspondence: Michael Stendhal, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece, Email:

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About the Study

The Atlantic coastal zones, stretching from the icy shores of Canada to the warmer waters of Florida, play an integral role in shaping the economies, cultures, and ecosystems of the eastern United States, as well as the coastal countries of Europe and Africa. However, these regions are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of sea-level rise, which is driven by climate change and the melting of polar ice. Sea-level rise is reshaping landscapes, displacing communities, and threatening biodiversity across the Atlantic coasts.

Sea-level rise and the Atlantic coastline

The term "sea-level rise" refers to the increase in the average height of the ocean's surface. Over the past century, global sea levels have risen by approximately 8-9 inches (21-24 centimeters), with an accelerating trend in recent decades. The Atlantic coastal regions, particularly along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, have experienced varying rates of sea-level rise. Factors such as land subsidence, ocean currents, and regional climatic conditions influence the rate of sea-level rise in different areas. For example, the mid-Atlantic region, including parts of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, experiences some of the highest rates of sealevel rise due to land subsidence.

Socioeconomic impacts

Sea-Level Rise (SLR) is a pressing global issue, especially for coastal regions like the Atlantic coastline of the United States. The phenomenon, driven by climate change, presents significant socioeconomic challenges for communities along the coast.

Displacement of coastal communities: As sea levels rise, coastal communities are increasingly at risk of inundation, especially during storm surges and extreme weather events. Low-lying areas, such as the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are particularly vulnerable. Many of these communities, both in the United States and in coastal areas of Europe, are faced with difficult decisions about relocation or investment in costly flood defenses.

The displacement of communities brings not only economic challenges but also social and cultural upheaval. For many indigenous and fishing communities along the Atlantic coast, the sea is deeply entwined with their heritage and livelihoods. The loss of land to rising waters can erode cultural identity and community cohesion, making relocation a complex and emotionally charged process.

Economic losses: The economic ramifications of sea-level rise are vast. Coastal cities such as New York, Boston, and Miami, which are vital hubs for finance, tourism, and trade, face the constant threat of flooding. The cost of protecting infrastructure and adapting to sea-level rise can run into billions of dollars. In Miami, for example, the city has already started investing heavily in flood defenses and raising roads to cope with periodic "king tides," which are becoming more frequent due to rising sea levels.

Tourism, a major economic driver for Atlantic coastal regions, is also at risk. Beach erosion, one of the direct consequences of sea-level rise, reduces the attractiveness of coastal destinations, leading to revenue loss for businesses reliant on tourism. Additionally, the destruction of coastal habitats, such as wetlands and marshes, can impact commercial fishing, further compounding the economic challenges faced by coastal communities.

Insurance and property values: One of the more immediate economic consequences of sea-level rise is its impact on property values and insurance premiums. Properties located along the coast are increasingly seen as high-risk investments. As a result, property values in some regions are declining, particularly in areas where flood defenses are inadequate or non-existent. Additionally, insurance companies are raising premiums or even withdrawing coverage in certain high-risk areas, making it difficult for homeowners to protect their investments.

Ecological impacts

The ecological impacts of sea-level rise on the Atlantic coastline are far-reaching and multifaceted, affecting habitats, species, and ecosystems in profound ways. Sea-level rise, driven by climate change, threatens to reshape coastal environments, leading to habitat loss, changes in biodiversity, and disruptions in ecological processes.

Loss of coastal habitats: Rising sea levels threaten a wide variety of coastal habitats, including wetlands, marshes, mangroves, and estuaries. These ecosystems provide critical services, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat for numerous species. As sea levels rise, these habitats are increasingly inundated, leading to habitat loss and a decline in biodiversity.

One of the most significant consequences of habitat loss is the impact on bird populations. Many migratory bird species rely on coastal wetlands as stopover points during their long migrations. As these habitats disappear, the survival of these species is jeopardized. In addition to birds, coastal habitats support a diverse range of marine life, including fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, many of which are commercially important species.

Saltwater intrusion: Another ecological consequence of sea-level rise is saltwater intrusion, which occurs when seawater penetrates freshwater systems, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This intrusion can have devastating effects on freshwater ecosystems, as many species are unable to tolerate the increased salinity. In addition, saltwater intrusion can contaminate drinking water supplies, particularly in coastal regions that rely on groundwater for their water needs.

Saltwater intrusion also impacts agriculture, as soils become more saline and less productive. In regions such as the southeastern United States, where agriculture is a significant economic activity, farmers are facing increased challenges in maintaining crop yields. The long-term effects of saltwater intrusion could lead to reduced agricultural output and the displacement of farming communities.

Ocean Acidification and its amplified effects: While sea-level rise directly impacts coastal zones, it is closely linked to broader changes in the ocean’s chemistry, including ocean acidification.

As CO₂ levels rise in the atmosphere, more carbon is absorbed by oceans, leading to a reduction in the water’s pH levels. Acidified waters are detrimental to marine organisms, particularly those that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain species of plankton.

Atlantic coral reefs, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean, are under significant stress due to rising temperatures, acidification, and the added pressure of sea-level rise. The degradation of coral reefs has cascading effects on marine biodiversity and coastal protection.