Sea Level and Our Beautiful Island

The sea level around Martha's Vineyard is projected to rise by 1 to 6 feet by the end of the 21st century. This rise will have a significant impact on the island, including: Flooding of coastal areas. As the sea level rises, it will inundate low-lying areas of the island, including beaches, marshes, and roads. This flooding will disrupt transportation, damage property, and displace residents. Erosion of shorelines. The rising sea will erode the shorelines of Martha's Vineyard, destroying beaches and dunes. This erosion will make the island more vulnerable to storms and flooding. Damage to infrastructure. Sea level rise will damage infrastructure on Martha's Vineyard, including roads, bridges, and water mains. This damage will be costly to repair and could disrupt essential services. Impact on wildlife. Sea level rise will impact the wildlife on Martha's Vineyard, including salt marshes and shorebirds. Salt marshes are important habitats for many species of birds and fish, and they help to protect the island from flooding. However, as the sea level rises, salt marshes will be inundated and lost. The impact of sea level rise on Martha's Vineyard is a serious threat. The island needs to take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to the challenges of a rising sea. Some of the steps that can be taken include: Building seawalls and other protective barriers. Seawalls and other protective barriers can help to prevent flooding and erosion. Raising roads and other infrastructure. Roads and other infrastructure can be raised to protect them from flooding. Restoring salt marshes. Salt marshes can be restored to help protect the island from flooding. Educating the public about climate change. The public needs to be educated about the threat of climate change and the steps that can be taken to mitigate its effects. Martha's Vineyard is a beautiful island with a rich history and culture. However, the island is facing a serious threat from climate change. Sea level rise is a real and present danger, and it is important to take steps to mitigate its effects. By working together, we can protect Martha's Vineyard for future generations. Additional Resources The Vineyard Conservation Society: https://vineyardconservation.org/ The Martha's Vineyard Commission: https://www.mvcommission.org/ The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.noaa.gov/ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: https://www.ipcc.ch/