A new study from UNC–Chapel Hill warns that New Bern could lose most of its conserved wetlands as sea levels rise.
Researchers found that three feet of sea level rise would destroy about 60% of the city’s protected wetland areas. Those wetlands help reduce fish kills, improve water quality and store carbon. Their loss could cost the town an estimated $50,000 a year, according to the study.
The report says expanded conservation, restoration and preservation efforts could help offset some of the projected damage.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts sea levels could rise more than 3.5 feet by 2100, posing risks to coastal communities worldwide.
