Sea Level Rise and Coastal Communities: A Growing Challenge

As global temperatures rise, melting polar ice and expanding seawater levels are causing the seas to encroach upon coastlines, submerging land and threatening homes and infrastructure. For families living in these areas, relocation can become a harsh necessity. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, more than 300,000 coastal homes in the United States could be at risk by 2045 if sea levels continue to rise. For adolescents, being displaced often means facing uncertainties about school, friendships, and their sense of identity and security, all of which can contribute to stress and emotional strain.

The Impact on Food Security and Health

Climate change’s effects aren’t limited to displacing homes; it also poses a serious threat to food security. Rising sea levels can increase soil salinity in coastal agricultural areas, reducing the viability of crops and affecting the availability of nutritious food. For children and adolescents, a stable and healthy food supply is essential for development, both physically and mentally. Food shortages or increased food costs due to reduced agricultural productivity can create additional stress for families, amplifying the anxiety young people feel as they navigate these challenging times.

Mental Health: Climate Anxiety and Adolescent Wellbeing

The mental health of adolescents is particularly vulnerable to climate-related changes. Displacement, food insecurity, and the looming threat of future climate disasters can contribute to climate anxiety—a form of stress that stems from environmental instability and the fear of a precarious future. Adolescents are at an impressionable age and may be especially susceptible to feelings of dread or helplessness about environmental issues, often struggling to manage the weight of these concerns. Studies show that the mental health impacts of climate change, including stress, depression, and anxiety, are real and increasingly affecting youth worldwide.

Tools to Help Families Prepare and Cope

Preparedness is essential for families living in areas vulnerable to sea level rise and other climate risks. Here are some tools and strategies that can help:

• Family Emergency Planning: Have a clear evacuation plan, including meeting points and ways to stay in touch if separated.
• Community Resources: Connect with local support services, like shelters or community centers, which offer aid in times of climate-related emergencies.
• Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue with children and adolescents about climate change, and help them voice their concerns. Supportive discussions can lessen feelings of isolation and provide reassurance.
• Mental Health Support: Seek mental health resources, like counselors or school support staff, who can help children cope with climate anxiety and the stress of displacement.
• Environmental Education: Engage children in climate action initiatives and teach them about sustainability. Feeling empowered to make a positive impact can help ease anxiety and build resilience.

Regional Spotlight: The Southeast’s Battle with Rising Waters

The Southeastern United States is especially vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise, with states like Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas facing frequent flooding and erosion. Communities in these regions are working to adapt through measures such as creating natural flood barriers, elevating homes, and engaging in community-based planning for future relocations. Additionally, local organizations are developing resources specifically for youth to address the mental and emotional challenges of climate change. By spotlighting these regional efforts, we can inspire more communities to take proactive steps in preparing for a changing climate.

Embracing Resilience and Building a Brighter Future

As sea level rise continues to reshape coastal communities, young people like Sam are learning to adapt and find resilience in the face of climate challenges. By providing tools, support, and community resources, we can help families navigate these difficult transitions and give adolescents the strength to envision a hopeful future. Embracing and preparing for change is not just about survival; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and purpose for the next generation.

For more information on how you can support families affected by climate change or to access resources for mental health and preparedness, visit SEACAA’s climate resources page. Together, we can make a difference for our communities and our youth.