Vulnerability to Sea Rise Challenges
“There has already been loss. Salt marshes are an important ecosystem because they filter nutrients and store carbon. They also protect the local properties from flood water and sea level surge. So, the wildlife there is pretty resilient, but it can only take so much. It can’t survive being covered with water in both high and low tides. Plants will die, animals will die. Climate change is the cause.” Falmouth Sustainability Director
As sea level continues to rise the city of Falmouth is being proactive in its response to the effects climate change is having on its residents, businesses, and ecosystems. The Coastal Resilience Action Group is continuously gathering data, reflecting on its findings and taking action steps.Future storms and future sea level rise will have a huge impact on this community. Individual choices can have a huge impact on climate change, but sea levels will continue to rise due to the rise in CO2, oceans warming and ice melting. Studies indicate that by 2070 most of the downtown area of Falmouth will be flooded. The sea is beginning to cover low lying land causing about 50 acres to become wetland. This area includes roadways, retail stores, hotels, and resident housing. In addition, the increased height of the daily high tides will cause emergency access to some areas to be almost impossible.
- Businesses and homes: Flooding is a huge concern for the businesses and homes in this area. Many homes and businesses are in active flood zones.
- Infrastructure and electricity: Climate change has resulted in more intense and frequent high winds and coastal storms which are affecting the distribution of electricity by way of above ground wires that are impacted by downed trees. Sustainable electricity includes use of generators or changing the infrastructure to underground wires, which could potentially also be impacted by sea level rise causing safety issues.
- Waste water: Because the main street in Falmouth is a low lying area. Sea level rise and storm surge will cause wastewater to be affected by an increase in the ground water tables. This is a result of old or defective and illegal pipes and unsealed connections and open manholes. If sea rise continues some of the areas along this area may be uninhabitable as waste water is infiltrated. Individual home septic systems may also become saturated with salt water.
- Ecosystems and Habitat Advocacy : The salt marshes that surround Falmouth are critical in carbon cycling and create habitats and nurseries for birds, fish and shellfish. Climate change is affecting this habitat, especially sea level rise. The nitrogen they produce is beneficial but will not be able to continue sustainability if overpowered by water rise that kills the vegetation. Some of the vegetation there has specific requirements for salinity and water level. Because of this some species will die out completely.
- Access to oceans for local fishermen
- Flooding of gardens used to sustain farmer’s markets and sale of locally grown produce
- Drinking water: Drinking water is supplied by Falmouth to all its residents from upland wells. As salinity increases in the land due to salt water, corrosion is occurring on the fresh water pipes that carry water to the residents.
