Coastal flooding happens when water from the ocean rises and covers land near the coast.

Climate change makes this worse in two ways. Warmer temperatures cause ice to melt, which makes the ocean rise higher. Stronger storms caused by climate change also bring big waves and heavy rain.

A flooded urban area with murky water covering a staircase and nearby surroundings under a cloudy sky.

This means places near the ocean can flood more often and more severely. People who live here may need to evacuate to avoid danger.

A residential street littered with debris after a natural disaster, with scattered cars and damaged homes lining the road.

THINK-PAIR-SHARE

What are some ways that we can help keep people and animals living in coastal communities safe from coastal flooding?