- The impact of sea-level rise includes flooding, habitat destruction and salt water intrusion in coastal areas, increased soil erosion and disappearance of low-lying islands. Rising sea levels also make storm surges capable of much greater damage. (Storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm. Storm surge can penetrate well inland.)
- Higher sea levels are coinciding with more hurricanes, contributing to more powerful storm surges that can strip away everything in their path.
- Saltwater intrusion is the flow of seawater into water bodies such as rivers and aquifers (underground water bearing rocks). It is a major concern as it can induce contamination of water resources, used for drinking, household purposes and agriculture. Increased salinity of coastal freshwater can threaten vegetation and wildlife of the region.
- Many birds use coastal ecosystems to find food, live and breed. Sea turtles lay their eggs on beaches, returning to the same location every year. When beaches erode, these animals and birds will be affected.
- Rising sea level will lead to the displacements of people. It could create 187 million climate refugees by 2100, according to a study.
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