Sea-level rise threatens U.S. coast

Rising sea levels caused by global warming will subject about 3.7 million Americans to more frequent coastal flooding in coming decades, a new study finds.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, found that flooding conditions once considered extremely rare could occur every few years, according to The New York Times. The most vulnerable state is Florida, as most of its residents live on the low-lying limestone shelf that makes up the state. California, New York, New Jersey and Louisiana are also at high risk.

“Sea-level rise is like an invisible tsunami, building force while we do almost nothing,” said Benjamin H. Strauss, co-author of two papers outlining the study. “We have a closing window of time to prevent the worst by preparing for higher seas.”