5 Famous US Destinations at Risk From Climate Change

USA Today chronicles how a warming planet threatens iconic locations

By Gina Carey, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2024 4:20 PM CDT

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5 Famous US Destinations at Risk From Climate Change — The Washington Monument is visible behind cherry trees along a flood prone area along the Tidal Basin. Many of the cherry trees are experiencing their last peak bloom before being removed for a renovation project that will rebuild seawalls around Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

As cities on the East Coast sink millimeter by millimeter due to climate change, experts are scrambling to understand what the future holds for land-lovers. USA Today takes a look at some of the iconic coastal attractions in the US that are already being affected by unprecedented flooding, landslides, and extreme heat. Here are five favorites, and the issues they are facing.

Big Sur Coast Highway, California: landslides, cliff collapse, rockfall
Outer Banks beaches, North Carolina: high-tide flooding and sea level rise
Tidal Basin and surrounding memorials, Washington, DC: land subsidence and flooding
Key West, Florida: extreme heat, sea level rise, and flooding
Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island, Hawaii: wildfires and flooding

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