The US Military on the Front Lines of Rising Seas

Growing Exposure to Coastal Flooding at East and Gulf Coast Military Bases

Published Jul 27, 2016

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Sea levels are rising as global warming heats up the planet. Many military bases along the US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are at risk of permanently losing land to the ocean in the decades ahead.

As the seas rise, high tides will reach farther inland. Tidal flooding will become more frequent and extensive. When hurricanes strike, deeper and more extensive storm surge flooding will occur.

The US Armed Forces depend on safe and functional bases to protect the national security of our country. We must prepare for the growing exposure of our military bases to sea level rise.

Military bases at risk

18 military installations are included in this analysis. Each location's changing exposure to flooding is projected through the end of the century:

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