Sea level Rise Cost per Foot
Estiamtes of the cost per foot of sea level rise vary consideraby.
The current model defaults to a cost/foot of $100 Billion in 2025 and $500
Billoin in 2100
From ChatGPT:
The expected annual cost per foot of sea level rise varies
depending on factors like location, infrastructure, adaptation measures, and
population density. However, here are some general estimates based on research
and projections:
1. U.S. National Costs
- According to reports from the Union of Concerned Scientists and
NOAA, the economic damage in the U.S. could range from
$50 billion to $200 billion annually for each foot of sea level rise,
depending on the vulnerability of coastal regions, the extent of infrastructure,
and how much adaptation is implemented.
- This includes damage to coastal properties, infrastructure, transportation, and
utilities, as well as indirect costs such as losses in tourism, real estate
values, and tax revenue.
2. Global Costs
- Global estimates from organizations like the World Bank
and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
suggest that the annual cost of sea level rise could range from $300
billion to $1 trillion globally by 2100. This encompasses damages from
coastal flooding, storm surges, ecosystem loss, agricultural disruption, and
health costs.
3. Infrastructure and Property Losses
- Coastal cities, such as New York, Miami, and New Orleans, could face significant
property losses. The annual cost of property damage due to sea
level rise may range from $50 billion to $100 billion per foot
of sea level rise for these cities alone, depending on the level of preparedness
and mitigation efforts.
4. Adaptation and Mitigation Costs
- Adaptation costs—such as the construction of flood defenses, relocation of
communities, or retrofitting infrastructure—are also considerable. It's
estimated that $100 million to $1 billion per year, for each
foot of sea level rise, could be required to protect vulnerable communities,
depending on the scale of adaptation efforts.
5. Agricultural and Ecosystem Costs
- Rising sea levels may also result in agricultural damage, saltwater intrusion
into freshwater systems, and ecosystem degradation, with costs potentially
amounting to tens of billions of dollars annually for each foot
of rise.
Summary of Costs:
- $50 billion to $200 billion annually in the U.S. for each foot
of sea level rise.
- $300 billion to $1 trillion annually globally by the end of the
century.
- Significant costs for property damage, infrastructure, and adaptation efforts,
particularly in large coastal cities.
These estimates underscore the economic and environmental challenges posed by
sea level rise, which will vary greatly depending on the region and specific
local circumstances. Adaptation measures will be crucial in mitigating the
costs, but without action, the financial burden could be very high.