PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 25, 2025
Coastal living is a dream for many Americans, but the effects of climate change are making it increasingly risky. Rising sea levels and stronger storms are just the beginning; the threat to public health is growing and millions living on the coast are already feeling the impact. At the forefront, the threat to coastal living is climate change. Sea levels are quickly rising due to melting glaciers and expanding warm oceans, putting coastal areas at risk. Storm surges are becoming more intense, and high-tide flooding now occurs up to 900% more often than it did 50 years ago. Environmental changes affect public health, too. As the environment continues to change and storms grow stronger, we must prioritize protecting coastal communities and preventing disaster. ~ Kristina Carvalho, MSW, policy analyst, Boston University School of Public Health, Scarborough