How will climate change affect Northwest coasts? part THREE of FIVE in the series: climate impacts in the northwest

Due to the burning of fossil fuels, sea levels are rising and the ocean is warming and acidifying. These changes threaten Pacific Northwest coastal property and infrastructure, fishing and recreation, communities and wildlife.

Around the world, land-based glaciers and ice sheets are melting, causing sea levels to rise. The ocean has also absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat humans have added to the climate system, causing the oceans to warm and expand.

Melting land ice and warming oceans are contributing to rising sea levels.

On average, coastal areas in Washington state are expected to see between 10 and 32 inches (more than two and a half feet) of sea level rise by the year 2100, relative to 2000.

Coastal storms and extreme high tides will pose more severe threats than they have in the past.

Areas higher and further from the coast that were previously untouched by these coastal hazards will be at increased risk of flooding and erosion.

Photo credit Snohomish County

Flooding and erosion will be more common. Some low-lying coastal areas will be permanently inundated, possibly forcing people and wildlife to move out of those areas.

Photo credit: Pete Granger

Sea level rise will degrade or destroy coastal habitats such as wetlands, estuaries and intertidal zones: placing additional stress on oysters, mussels, juvenile Chinook salmon and other species.

Sea level rise increases the risk of:

Damage to homes, roads, buildings and other infrastructure;

Hardship for coastal industries, including commercial fisheries and tourism;

Loss of culturally important sites;

Loss of opportunities for recreation.

As the world’s oceans warm, they are also absorbing a large portion of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

This is altering the ocean’s chemistry and causing ocean acidification.

It is virtually certain the ocean will continue to warm and acidify throughout the 21st century.

Ocean acidification will continue to influence the spatial distribution and abundance of many of the world’s fish and shellfish stocks, and will continue to have varied impacts on catches, livelihoods and local cultures.

Climate change stands to affect coastal and marine ecosystems, communities and economies. Preparing for the effects of climate change on our coasts and oceans can help avoid the most severe outcomes. Learn more about how communities are preparing for climate change at the link below.

How are communities preparing for climate impacts on coasts and oceans?

How will climate change affect Northwest ecosystems and wildlife?

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by OlyaLole - "beach house lighthouse" • cherieblehm - "alki beach seattle alki" • 4311868 - "beach pacific coastline ocean" • OlyaLole - "beach house lighthouse"