Citations & Sources
Data used in this report came from a variety of sources. Metrics such as marsh transitions, number of buildings flooded and miles of roads impacted are based on assessments of model results by The Trustees. The models used are state-of-the-art, but they are based on a number of assumptions and various input conditions that come with inherent limitations. The Trustees used publicly available data for other metrics, including beach erosion rates, tidal restrictions, and miles of armored shoreline.
Coastal Impact Matrix
We are providing this chart so that communities can gauge their specific risks and vulnerabilities in relation to each other and the region as a whole. On the left are some of the climate-driven impacts — beach erosion, marsh loss, and flooding of buildings and roads — that are projected for 2050 (high sea level rise scenario) from storms and sea level rise. The chart also shows rates of short- and long-term beach erosion, an impact that has already been experienced by most communities. For beaches in more developed areas, even small rates of erosion can be problematic because their migration may be restricted by development or armored shorelines.