Rising Sea Levels Threaten Homes in Buxton, North Carolina
In Buxton, North Carolina, rising sea levels have become a significant threat to coastal homes. Over the past 30 years, relative sea levels have risen by eight inches, according to federal tide gauge data. This increase has led to severe erosion, with several homes collapsing into the ocean. The situation has been exacerbated by storms, such as Hurricane Erin, which have accelerated the encroachment of tides on residential areas. The community is now facing difficult decisions about how to protect their homes and infrastructure from further damage. A beach nourishment project is planned to begin soon, aiming to widen the beach and repair a crumbling jetty, but the long-term effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain.