New Jersey, a state already reeling from devastating storms like Hurricane Sandy, is facing an even greater threat: accelerating sea-level rise. A new study by the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University warns that global carbon emissions could lead to a staggering 2.2-3.8 feet of sea-level rise by 2100, putting millions of residents at risk.
However, if ice-sheet melt accelerates, seas could rise as much as 4.5 feet, making the situation even more dire. The report's authors stress that human-caused climate change is not only accelerating sea-level rise but also increasing flood hazards along the state's coast and in communities near tidal rivers, marshes, and wetlands.
The study's findings are based on input from 144 scientists and a detailed analysis of current emissions scenarios. According to Robert Kopp, a Rutgers climate scientist who led the study, the current level of emissions matches an "intermediate" scenario, which predicts sea-level rise between 2.2-3.8 feet by 2100.
But it's not just the magnitude of sea-level rise that's alarming; it's also the frequency and severity of flooding events. The report forecasts that an intermediate emissions scenario would lead to 2.9-4.7 inches of sea-level rise per decade between 2040 and 2060, rising by as much as 5.6 inches per decade between 2080 and 2100.
By 2050, Atlantic City is expected to see between 29 and 148 flood days a year, with the number of coastal flood days exceeding 131 per year by the end of the century. The report also warns about "compound flooding," where higher seas combine with storm surge, heavy rains, and swollen rivers to make flooding worse.
As sea levels continue to rise, erosion will worsen, and efforts to fight it may be overwhelmed. Wetlands, which protect coastlines and wildlife, may no longer be able to adapt to rising seas. The report's authors stress that future projected rates of sea-level rise in New Jersey may exceed the pace at which many coastal wetlands can adapt.
The study's findings serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change. With global carbon emissions continuing to rise, it's clear that urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.
However, if ice-sheet melt accelerates, seas could rise as much as 4.5 feet, making the situation even more dire. The report's authors stress that human-caused climate change is not only accelerating sea-level rise but also increasing flood hazards along the state's coast and in communities near tidal rivers, marshes, and wetlands.
The study's findings are based on input from 144 scientists and a detailed analysis of current emissions scenarios. According to Robert Kopp, a Rutgers climate scientist who led the study, the current level of emissions matches an "intermediate" scenario, which predicts sea-level rise between 2.2-3.8 feet by 2100.
But it's not just the magnitude of sea-level rise that's alarming; it's also the frequency and severity of flooding events. The report forecasts that an intermediate emissions scenario would lead to 2.9-4.7 inches of sea-level rise per decade between 2040 and 2060, rising by as much as 5.6 inches per decade between 2080 and 2100.
By 2050, Atlantic City is expected to see between 29 and 148 flood days a year, with the number of coastal flood days exceeding 131 per year by the end of the century. The report also warns about "compound flooding," where higher seas combine with storm surge, heavy rains, and swollen rivers to make flooding worse.
As sea levels continue to rise, erosion will worsen, and efforts to fight it may be overwhelmed. Wetlands, which protect coastlines and wildlife, may no longer be able to adapt to rising seas. The report's authors stress that future projected rates of sea-level rise in New Jersey may exceed the pace at which many coastal wetlands can adapt.
The study's findings serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change. With global carbon emissions continuing to rise, it's clear that urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.
I mean, New Jersey is already dealing with some crazy storms 
, but now they gotta worry about even more water coming in? It's like, I get it, sea-level rise is a big deal 
, but we can't just sit back and do nothing. We gotta think of ways to adapt, like building stronger seawalls or restoring wetlands that help protect the coastline 
. It's not all doom and gloom, though - scientists are already working on solutions, so I'm hopeful about the future 
. And let's be real, every state is gonna face some kind of sea-level rise issue, so it's like we're all in this together 
.
... like seriously, 2.2-3.8 feet of sea-level rise by 2100? That's already insane and now they're saying it could be even more with ice-sheet melt? What's the point of even trying to prepare for this? Atlantic City is gonna be flooded like, what, every other day by 2050?! 
. We really need to kick our carbon emissions habits into high gear ASAP or we're looking at some pretty catastrophic consequences 
. This sea-level rise thing is not just a natural disaster, it's also super human-caused 
. I mean, we're talking 2.2-3.8 feet of sea-level rise by 2100? That's like, a whole different coastline 
. And if ice-sheet melt accelerates... oh man, that's like doubling the risk 
. We gotta do something about this ASAP 
. I'm not saying it's gonna be easy, but we can't just sit back and wait for the seas to come in 
. We need to work together to reduce our carbon emissions and find ways to protect these communities 
. It's not just about New Jersey, though... this is a global problem 
It's not just the big cities like Atlantic City, even small communities near tidal rivers and wetlands are gonna get hit hard 
We need to do something about global carbon emissions ASAP or it's gonna be too late 
. i feel for all those ppl who call atlantic city home, 29-148 flood days a year? that's not fair at all 
we need to get our emissions under control ASAP 
and we cant stop it? no way, i wanna be part of the solution, not the problem 
. Imagine living in Atlantic City with flood days every year, not to mention the wetlands and wildlife that are gonna be gone in no time 
.
. Wetlands can't keep up with this, and neither can we. We need to get our act together ASAP or risk losing the coastlines and all the wildlife that calls it home 
. I mean, a 2-4 foot rise in sea level? That's like, what, a normal day for New Jersey now 
. Let's not jump to conclusions here...
so it's hard to know what to make of this stuff