Louisiana's coastal wetlands face critical threat from rising sea levels

A recent study highlights the perilous state of Louisiana's coastal wetlands, with a majority facing "drowning" due to unprecedented sea level rise, posing significant risks to the region's natural defenses and ecosystem.

Brady Dennis and Chris Mooney report for The Washington Post.

In short:

• Scientists have found that 87% of Louisiana's coastal wetlands are unable to keep pace with rapidly rising sea levels, significantly impacting their survival.
• The state has already lost more than 2,000 square miles of wetland since 1932, exacerbating vulnerability to hurricanes and storm surges.
• Efforts to restore coastal wetlands through extensive and costly projects are underway, but the natural progression of sea level rise presents a daunting challenge.

Key quote:

“The Earth is mostly ocean, and it’s becoming more ocean. That’s the bottom line.”

— Adam Langley, wetlands researcher and biology professor at Villanova University

Why this matters:

Louisiana's wetlands are crucial for protecting against storms, filtering pollutants, and supporting wildlife. Future sea level rise is notoriously difficult to predict, with myriad interconnected variables at play.