The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a map of infrastructures likely to be threatened by sea level rise. 

A new map from the Union of Concerned Scientists identifies critical infrastructure in Maryland threatened by sea level rise. The report, published last month, classifies infrastructure into 6 broad categories and outlines two scenarios: a high or low sea level rise by 2100. In either case, Maryland’s coastal communities, especially those on the eastern shore, are projected to be significantly impacted.

According to the report,

We found that that by 2050, climate change–driven sea level rise will expose more than 1,600 essential buildings and services to disruptive flooding an average of twice per year. Impacted infrastructure includes everything from K-12 schools to police and fire stations, wastewater treatment plants, and public housing. . . .”

A stark finding is that many of the problems Annapolis is currently racing to solve, i.e., housing and energy, are projected to become more challenging as rising water retakes much of the coastline. Regardless of which scenario plays out or if there is a middle group, critical pieces of housing, energy, and government infrastructure will likely be overcome flooded. Additionally, as a former major industrial hub, Maryland has many industrial contamination sites that will likely be underwater. It is unclear how this may impact public health and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Sea level rise is a prescient issue for counties; follow Conduit Street as we track this critical issue.

Read the full report.

At the 2024 MACo Summer Conference general session, “A Rising Tide” How Maryland is Bracing for Sea Level Rise,” panelists wi “l dive deep into what Marylanders can expect as a result of sea level rise and what options are on the table to mitigate against this fast-approaching reality.