Coastal Georgia is home to constant change. While the Georgia coastline is just 100 miles long, the entire tidal range of rivers, creeks, barrier islands and estuaries stretches over 2,344 miles. Up to ten vertical feet of tide water feeds in and out of the system twice daily. Georgia\u2019s coastal economy pulses around these rhythms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Climate change is causing critical shifts within coastal and marine processes, creating complex challenges for coastal communities. Sea level rise combined with heavier downpours is generating more frequent and expansive flooding, overwhelming coastal roadways, stormwater, septic and wastewater systems and other important infrastructure. Larger, more powerful hurricanes are creating coastal erosion issues, as well as inland flooding. With rising water levels, saltwater is encroaching upon sources of drinking water and natural habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coastal Georgia has natural characteristics that can aid the state in combating these threats. Georgia\u2019s wetlands absorb carbon from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Georgia\u2019s saltmarshes can sequester 88-340 billion grams of carbon per year, equivalent to 10-37 million gallons of gasoline [4]. The majority of Georgia\u2019s 12 barrier islands are protected from development, with intact ecosystems that help insulate the mainland from intensifying hurricanes and tropical storms [5]. While the population of coastal Georgia is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, Georgia currently has fewer people and lower cumulative property values at risk of chronic flooding due to sea level rise than other states in the Southeast [6]. However, parts of the Georgia coast face projections of sea level rise that are 30 percent higher than the global average [7].<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Policymakers in coastal Georgia face difficult decisions, as they strive to protect natural resources, public safety and the economic stability of their communities. However, with smart land use planning, communities can guide development away from vulnerable areas, implement sustainable practices and conserve the dynamic natural protections of coastal Georgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n