Recommendations for Responding to Sea Level Rise: Lessons from North Carolina

Sea level rise exacerbates the susceptibility of coastal regions to flooding, storm surge, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and wetland loss, posing significant risks to communities, economies, and ecosystems. Sea level rise impacts are sensitive to management decisions. Governments are beginning to consider how to mitigate and prepare for the effects of sea level rise, combined with other coastal hazards. Using North Carolina as a case study, this paper discusses potential responses to sea level rise, options under consideration, relevant coastal management and hazard mitigation policies, research and modeling, and the importance of public involvement and dialogue that incorporates sound risk communication principles. Finally, the author offers a series of recommendations for immediately improving policies in North Carolina related to sea level rise, particularly those of state and local governments. Many of these recommendations apply equally to areas around the world that are vulnerable to sea level rise.