Kelly Van Baalen is the Climate Central Sea Level Rise Program Manager. Photo: Climate Central
BY SEAN SUBLETTE/Richmond Times-Dispatch
Percent change in coastal wetland area under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Data: Environmental Research Communications (2022). Graphic: Climate Central
At York River State Park in James City County, Taskinas Creek flows through the wetlands into the York River. Researchers say that in a worst-case scenario, Virginia could lose 42% of its wetlands by the end of the century.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Taskinas Creek flows through the wetlands at the York River State Park in James City County, Va., into the York River Thurs., June 9, 2022.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Taskinas Creek flows through the wetlands at the York River State Park in James City County, Va., into the York River Thurs., June 9, 2022.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
A crab crawls in Taskinas Creek at York River State Park in James City County. Wetlands are wildlife habitats and protect inland areas by easing coastal flooding impacts.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Taskinas Creek flows through the wetlands at the York River State Park in James City County, Va., Thurs., June 9, 2022.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Gordon Creek flows by Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County. ABOVE LEFT AND RIGHT: Cypress knees grow in Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
photos by ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Gordon Creek flows by the Chickahominy Riverfront Park Thursday, June 9, 2022.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cypress knees grow in Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park Thursday, June 9, 2022.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cypress knees grow in Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park Thursday, June 9, 2022.
As sea levels rise, some of Virginia’s most valuable coastal wetlands, from the Chesapeake Bay marshes to the Great Dismal Swamp, are at risk of either being lost or migrating farther inland.
Percent change in coastal wetland area under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Data: Environmental Research Communications (2022). Graphic: Climate Central
At York River State Park in James City County, Taskinas Creek flows through the wetlands into the York River. Researchers say that in a worst-case scenario, Virginia could lose 42% of its wetlands by the end of the century.
A crab crawls in Taskinas Creek at York River State Park in James City County. Wetlands are wildlife habitats and protect inland areas by easing coastal flooding impacts.
Gordon Creek flows by Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County. ABOVE LEFT AND RIGHT: Cypress knees grow in Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
