Climate Change Drives 80% of U.S. Coastal Flood Days
A recent analysis by Climate Central reveals that human-caused climate change is responsible for approximately 80% of coastal flood days in the United States over the past decade (2016-2025). Rising sea levels, driven by warming oceans and melting ice sheets, have significantly increased the frequency of high tide flooding, also known as nuisance or sunny day flooding. This type of flooding disrupts coastal communities, damages infrastructure, and poses health risks. The study highlights that the frequency of coastal flooding has tripled since the 2000s, with an average of 14 flood days annually between 2020 and 2025 across 71 U.S. locations. Coastal areas such as Wilmington, NC, and Kahului, HI, are among the most affected, experiencing dozens of flood days annually, with a majority attributed to climate change. The findings underscore the urgent need for emissions reductions to mitigate future impacts.
