Since 1950, Boston has witnessed an 8-inch increase in sea level, a trend that has gained momentum over the past decade. The current rate of rise stands at approximately 1 inch every 8 years, a measurement derived from the meticulous data which is gathered every 6 minutes using advanced technologies, including satellites, floating buoys, and tidal gauges. These tools enable scientists to monitor local sea level changes with precision, capturing the accelerating pace of rise.
Over the last ten years, the acceleration in sea level rise across Massachusetts has become alarming. It previously took 36 years for the sea level around Boston to ascend by 6 inches. Looking ahead, scientists project a similar increase of another 6 inches within the forthcoming 15 years, highlighting the urgent need to address this escalating challenge.
The eastern coast of the United States is facing a crisis that threatens the very foundation of its coastal communities, infrastructure, and economy. Recent studies and satellite data analyses reveal a stark reality: the land along the East Coast is subsiding at an alarming rate, exacerbating the effects of sea-level rise due to climate change. This phenomenon, largely overlooked until now, is doubling the potential damage from rising seas, cutting in half the time cities and residents have to prepare.
As the Earth’s atmosphere experiences a marked increase in temperature, largely attributed to the heightened presence of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, the world’s oceans become the principal absorbers of this surplus heat. This phenomenon leads to the oceans’ thermal expansion—wherein water undergoes volume increase upon warming. Such thermal expansion is a critical driver behind the sea level rise observed since the dawn of the 20th century, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) attributing approximately half of the sea level rise since 1900 to this process.
Moreover, the planet’s glaciers and ice caps, located in diverse regions from the Canadian Arctic and the Andes to the Himalayas and Alaska, are integral to this narrative. These vast ice formations, built up from centuries of snowfall that have been compressed into ice, are now melting at an unprecedented rate due to the escalation in global temperatures. The resultant meltwater significantly contributes to the rising sea levels, adding fresh water to the oceans.
The ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica stand as the most significant contributors to potential future sea level rise. These ice sheets, which harbor immense volumes of ice—sufficient to elevate global sea levels by several meters if melted entirely—are reported to be diminishing at an accelerating rate. Research underscores that this rapid loss is primarily due to the warming of ocean waters that destabilize the ice shelves (the ice sheets’ floating extensions) and increase surface melting. The ensuing discharge of ice into the ocean from these sheets plays a pivotal role in further amplifying sea level rise.
Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) shed light on future expectations for sea level rise in Massachusetts. According to their projections, post-2024, the sea level is anticipated to climb by 2.82 inches, within a range of 1.31 to 2.6 inches, continuing to rise by about 0.4 inches annually. By the year 2050, this increment is expected to reach approximately 50 inches, with a variability range of 6.94 to 20.64 inches.
In Southern New England, particularly Massachusetts, the repercussions of sea level rise are exacerbated by the gradual sinking of the land. This phenomenon results in sea level increases surpassing the global average.
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus Volume 3, Issue 1, offers a stark prognosis for the East Coast of the United States, which is increasingly at risk of being consumed by rising sea levels. This research reveals that subsidence—the process by which land sinks or settles—occurs at a rate of 2 mm per year, impacting up to 2.1 million people, 867,000 properties, and crucial infrastructure across the East Coast.
John McNamara CPA, living between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, shares his experiences of the environmental changes at Hampton Beach, NH. His observations from his cottage corroborate the increasing threat of rising sea levels, noting significant flooding even during “King Tides,” a phenomenon once rare. Aware of federal flood mitigation initiatives and the availability of flood insurance, he acknowledges governmental efforts but remains concerned about the immediate and future impact on property value and lifestyle. The unpredictability of weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, has also affected his boating activities, illustrating the broader lifestyle adjustments forced upon residents in these regions. His concern for his property’s future value underscores the financial and emotional toll put on families invested in coastal areas. His account underscores a critical message: the effects of climate change on coastal communities are not hypothetical scenarios but present challenges demanding immediate attention and action.
According to “The Hard Facts About Sea Level Rise” by Liz Durkee, the Union of Concerned Scientists has highlighted the acute vulnerability along the Massachusetts coastline, where 75% of the state’s population resides. The area, characterized by essential infrastructure, residential zones, and natural habitats, faces significant threats from the advancing seas. Notably, the escalating risk has led major insurers to withdraw coverage for numerous homeowners, underscoring the growing concern.
Massachusetts’ islands and shorelines, historically capable of natural adaptation to changing sea levels, are now constrained by human development. The construction of roads, homes, and businesses along these dynamic boundaries has introduced a static element to the naturally evolving coastline. The state’s economy, particularly in beach resort communities, is deeply intertwined with the condition of its coastlines, making it particularly sensitive to changes in sea level. The consequences of rising sea levels are multifaceted, ranging from the loss of low-lying land and increased coastal erosion to more frequent and severe storm damage and the salinization of freshwater resources. Erosion, a significant concern, is reshaping beaches such as Wasque and Lucy Vincent, with Massachusetts facing restrictions on measures like ocean sand mining for beach replenishment.
In a recent interview about the impact of rising sea levels and coastal erosion on communities, Deeb Salem M.D. who resides on Martha’s Vineyard sheds some light on a situation that is becoming increasingly dire for many coastal dwellers. Salem offers insights into how these environmental changes are not just future threats but current realities affecting homes, lifestyles, and plans for the future. He highlighted a firsthand encounter with the effects of erosion, observing coastal homes on the brink of destruction. This alarming situation prompted a cautious approach to property purchase, ensuring a distance from vulnerable oceanfront locations. Recent storms have exacerbated concerns, with flooding obstructing beach access and raising questions about the sustainability of critical infrastructure like ferry docks. The initiatives he is aware of, such as barrier creation and sand replenishment, are steps towards mitigation, yet he stresses the need for global efforts to combat climate change. Drawing from his professional background in medicine, he pointed out the surprising contribution of healthcare waste to global warming, emphasizing the necessity for a collective approach to reversing environmental degradation. He advocates for responsible property investment, reduced carbon footprints, and political action geared towards environmental sustainability.
An alarming increase in local erosion rates, attributing it to climate change-driven factors such as relative sea level rise and heightened storm frequency. This erosion not only threatens land and property but also necessitates costly dredging operations to maintain water quality in ponds, further complicating the state’s response to these challenges. Coastal flooding is set to redefine the landscape, impacting areas well beyond current flood zones and exacerbating issues like stormwater runoff and pollution. The health implications, including the spread of mold-induced asthma and allergies, are also significant concerns, alongside the economic strain of storm damage recovery on local governments. The shrinkage of salt marshes poses another critical issue, diminishing their role in flood mitigation, water filtration, and as habitats for marine life. The encroachment of development on potential migration paths for these marshes further complicates their preservation.
It’s a stark reality that individual efforts alone cannot halt climate change; a coordinated public policy is critical. However, property owners and housing providers are uniquely positioned to make impactful changes. Properties are equipped with numerous energy-consuming appliances and devices that often contribute to global warming. By transitioning to energy-efficient, non-polluting options, we can align with global efforts to mitigate warming and its adverse consequences. Such individual initiatives can also safeguard us against the rapid shifts in policy and climatic conditions that are likely on the horizon. The comprehensive guide, “Landlord’s Guide to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rental Properties,” speaks about these strategies in detail.
Beyond reducing emissions, it’s crucial to confront flood risks directly. The retreat of coastlines necessitates a reevaluation of property investment strategies. Moving away from or divesting in properties located along coastlines, rivers, and in flood-prone valleys becomes imperative. Many waterfront properties in Massachusetts, once deemed solid investments, now present significant risks. Early recognition of these changing dynamics can position you advantageously. For properties currently owned, prioritizing water management is essential. Investing in robust, commercial-grade gutters and directing runoff to dry wells or away from structures can mitigate flood risks. Additionally, reconfiguring landscapes to channel runoff away from buildings and constructing berms to block street water can be effective measures. In extreme flood-prone areas, consider temporary solutions like sandbag barriers around vital systems, particularly for properties with a history of stormwater intrusion. A more lasting solution involves relocating essential systems such as heating away from basements to higher, flood-safe zones. Embracing technologies like mini-split heat pumps, which can be installed on walls or roofs, offers both energy efficiency and reduced flood risk.
The catastrophic event at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011 serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with ignoring flood dangers. The tsunami-induced flooding of the plant’s basement generators led to a chain of disasters, including nuclear meltdowns and the release of radiation. This incident underscores the critical importance of strategic system placement to prevent similar tragedies. Facing the challenge of rising sea levels, Massachusetts is on a path toward resilience and innovation. By harnessing advanced technologies, robust community planning, and sustainable practices, the state is adapting to protect its coastlines and communities. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alongside strategic adaptations for infrastructure and natural habitats, signal a proactive approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This forward-thinking stance, coupled with a commitment to environmental stewardship and public policy, brightens the outlook for Massachusetts, demonstrating a collective resilience that promises to safeguard the state’s cherished landscapes and vibrant communities for future generations.
