|
If you know North Carolina, you likely know about its coast. From beaches to Outer Banks, small towns and historic culture, the North Carolina coast is iconic.
But climate change is posing challenges. Over the last two decades, erratic weather patterns in North Carolina have led to extended periods of extreme drought and unprecedentedly high rainfall, making the state's ecology subject to destabilizing swings. It contributes to rising seas, plus more frequent and severe storms.
The impact on the coastal fisheries, on which commercial and recreational fishing rely, is strong and measurable. Extreme weather events coupled with changes in shifting fish species wreak havoc on the state’s fisheries, operations that contribute millions of dollars to the state’s economy.
They also threaten the culture and the lifestyle of many coastal communities and residents who subsist on nutrition from the sea. Recognizing and addressing these issues has become a source of tension between lawmakers, environmentalists and anglers.
Over the course of this newsletter series, you’ll receive companion articles, resources and insights that will go deeper into these issues and the series, available for free on carolinapublicpress.org beginning Sept. 13. Special content will help you learn more about how governments and citizens working together can help solve the effects of extreme weather on the industries and the communities that depend on North Carolina waters.
|
