Oceans are rising as the climate changes, threatening coastal cities. A new study shows that much more of the world’s population is vulnerable than earlier predictions had estimated.
sea level rise
Posted inEnvironment, Local
Climate change is threatening Prudence Island’s drinking water
This story is part of our series One Storm Away: How climate change is threatening drinking water on the Ocean State’s islands Nestled in the middle of Narragansett Bay, Prudence Island is home to a small community of about 230 year-round residents. It’s only reachable by boat, and climate change may be spurring a drinking […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
How climate change will affect Rhode Island’s drinking water, and how we can better prepare
This story is part of our series One Storm Away: How climate change is threatening drinking water on the Ocean State’s islands As Rhode Island’s climate continues to change, scientists expect big changes to the state’s drinking water supply. Climate models suggest that average air temperatures will increase over the next century, and predict more […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, South County Bureau
Dude, where’s my beach?
Editor’s note: This story is part of “Washout: Our vanishing beaches,” a series about the reshaping of Rhode Island’s shoreline. Taylor Ellis loves the Rhode Island shoreline so much that about a year-and-half-ago he decided to see as much of it as possible. By foot. The long-time South Kingstown resident walked most of the state’s […]
Posted inNPR
Mangroves protect communities from storms. Half are at risk of collapse, report finds
Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems protecting humans and wildlife. Rising sea levels and storms pose an increasing threat to their survival.
Posted inNPR
New research on Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier could reshape sea-level rise predictions
At 80 miles across, Thwaites is the world’s widest glacier. It has been nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier” for the catastrophic effects its thawing could have on global sea-level rise.
Posted inNPR
China’s cities are sinking, putting tens of millions at risk
Nearly a third of China’s urban population lives in areas that are subsiding, according to a sweeping national survey of 82 major Chinese cities. In coastal areas, that makes sea level rise worse.
Posted inNPR
How a Northwest tribe is escaping a rising ocean
The Quinault Indian Nation in Washington state is gradually moving the village of Taholah away from a rising Pacific Ocean. Other communities in the U.S. may need to take a similar approach.
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Rhode Island lawmakers propose plan to tackle climate-related coastal threats
On a recent weekday, state Representative Terri Cortvriend climbed the rock outcropping at Surfers End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown. It was raining, and she climbed slowly, her boots seeking traction. At the top, in every direction, she saw areas that are being impacted by the effects of climate change. To the southwest, she mentioned […]
Posted inArticle, Environment
Mavericks pitch novel buyout plan for flood-prone Warren
By the end of this century, sea level rise is projected to split the Rhode Island town of Warren into three pieces. Part of town might even be on a new island. But a dynamic pair of town leaders is determined not to wait for a hurricane to force the town’s hand. Instead, they’re considering a controversial proposal: voluntary buyouts for at-risk property owners.
