This report provides a 2026 update of historical timelines with respect to New Jersey’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., climate change mitigation) as well as reduce its vulnerability to climate change impacts (i.e., climate change adaptation).
Topic
Flood risk
Kopp and Climate Scholars Assess Atlantic Coast Seasonal Flood Drivers
The authors found that north of Boston, MA, the most extreme flooding occurs in the cool season, while south of Wilmington, NC, the most extreme flooding occurs in the warm season. In the mid‐Atlantic region, both seasons contribute significantly to flood events. At all locations, cool‐season storms drive the more routine extreme sea levels. These findings highlight the importance of studying winter storms to improve coastal flood preparedness.
Cultural Factors Driving Severe Repetitive Flood Losses
A central debate was whether public resources should support staying or leaving the island. Key concerns included the economic impacts of strategies on household and public finances, the effectiveness of strategies to mitigate future flood damages, and fairness in the distribution of costs and responsibilities.