Sea Level Rise & Coastal Habitat loss

Issues/ Causes

100

When Ocean water levels increase, causing coastal areas to shrink or disappear.

Sea level rise

200

Human actions, like building and pollution, both cause sea levels to rise.

Coastal habitat destruction

300

Melting ice sheets and this ocean process both cause sea levels to rise.

thermal expansion

400

Loss of wetlands and mangroves increases the risk of these two coastal hazards.

flooding and erosion

Effects

100

Warmer water temperatures cause this damaging effect on coral reefs.

coral bleaching

200

These underwater forests are damaged by stronger storms and changing ocean temperatures.

kelp forests

300

Animals like seals and polar bears are affected by the loss of this frozen habitat.

sea ice

400

When species move to cooler waters, it disrupts this important ecological relationship

predator-prey relationships

Real World Examples

100

Rising seas can damage these structures where people live

homes

200

Beaches and coral reef damage negatively affect this global industry.

tourism

300

Flooding can contaminate this essential resource for human health.

water supply

400

For many coastal and Indigenous communities, losing habitats also means losing this important aspect of life.

culture/tradition

Solutions

100

Restoring these natural coastal barriers helps reduce flooding and erosion.

wetlands and mangroves

200

In 2024, this California city studied sea level rise threatening wetlands and communities.

San Francisco

300

Community efforts in the Solomon Islands focused on restoring thousands of these trees.

mangroves

400

Individuals can help by lowering their impact on climate through this type of footprint reduction.

reducing carbon footprint