I. IntroductionAs climate changes, dynamic coastal regions are experiencing a wide range of impacts. Sea levels, ocean acidification, sea surface temperatures, ocean heat, and ocean circulation have all been changing in ways unseen for thousands of years. Arctic sea ice melted significantly more during summers in the last 30 years, and storms are intensifying. Coastal ecosystems stand to be damaged, and coasts will likely erode from rising sea levels, intensified storm surges, and flooding that climate change may amplify. Coastal communities will need to prepare adaptation strategies to cope, and many who live or work in coastal regions are wondering what climate change might mean for them. This wiki and complementary online training module provide an overview of the impacts coastal regions are experiencing and may continue to experience as a result of Earth's changing climate.
II. Signs of ChangeSea Level RiseOcean AcidificationOcean HeatSea Surface TemperatureIce LossLakesIII. The Coast to ComeSea Level RiseDegraded Ocean and Coastal EcosystemsIce LossChanges in Hurricanes and Winter StormsCoastal Erosion, Storm Surges, and FloodingSaltwater Intrusion and Aquifer ContaminationLakesIV. Preparing Your CoastDownscaling and Why Local Predictions are Difficult to MakeMitigation, Adaptation, and Costs of "Building Resiliency"Healthy Coastal EcosystemsSafe and Sustainable Seafood SupplyHazard-Resilient CommunitiesSustainable Coastal DevelopmentWorking with State and Local Governments on Climate Change IssuesV. Regional Case StudiesRegional Case StudiesVI. Communicating Climate ScienceTen Communication StrategiesVII. Developing ResourcesAssess Your RegionIdentify Key Local Resources and Trusted ExpertsContinue your Learning