New Jersey Coast

Coastal counties in New Jersey generate nearly 70 percent of the state's $30 billion in tourism revenue. Rising sea levels caused by global warming are projected to increase the frequency and severity of damaging storm surges and flooding. Even using conservative estimates of sea-level rise, what is now considered a 100-year flood (i.e. the area that is expected to be flooded once every 100 years, in light blue on the map) in Atlantic City is projected to occur, on average, as frequently as once every four years by mid-century and once every year or two by late-century under either emissions scenario, underscoring the importance of taking steps to protect the state's vulnerable populations, infrastructure, wildlife and critical coastal wetlands. This includes public education, as well as updating and enforcing building codes and land-use regulations. For a larger image of the flood area, see the New Jersey state summary (pdf).