Connecticut Coast

The coastal area of Connecticut is home to more than 2 million people—more than 60 percent of the state's population. That number swells each summer as tourists flock to the state's sandy beaches and shoreline communities. From critical infrastructure to waterfront homes to salt marshes, much of this coastline is exceptionally vulnerable to sea-level rise. The light blue area below depicts today's 100-year flood zone for New London and Groton (i.e., the area of these cities that is expected to be flooded once every 100 years). With additional sea-level rise by 2100 under the higher-emissions scenario, this approximate area is projected to flood once every 17 years, on average; under the lower-emissions scenario, once every 32 years. Connecticut policy makers will need to take steps to protect the state's coasts, including public education, updating and enforcing building codes and land-use regulation, and working with the insurance industry to protect property and people. For a larger image of the flood area, see the Connecticut state summary (pdf).