Sea Level Rise and Adolescents

Explore Other Kids and Climate Health Impacts

Find information on how climate change can affect coastal areas, food security, and children’s mental health. Start by reading the fictional story of an adolescent who is affected by displacement, and learn how similar situations can affect kids across the country. Also get tools to help families prepare and cope with outcomes from climate disasters. Finally, check out the regional spotlight.

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Devin's Story

Due to rising sea levels and associated coastal flooding, a family and their 12-year-old child, Devin, recently relocated from a small coastal town to the suburbs of a more inland city. Devin is having difficulty adjusting to the move and has been struggling with identity and self-confidence issues, as well as fear of further displacement. These issues are affecting Devin’s mental health and are beginning to impact his performance at school.

Coastal Impacts

Climate Change Impacts

  • Coastal counties are home to 40% of the population.1
  • Due to sea level rise and changing storm patterns associated with climate change, the severity and risk of coastal hazards, like flooding and erosion, have increased.2
  • By 2050, coastal sea levels along the contiguous United States coasts are expected to rise about 11 inches.2
  • By 2050, over $100 billion worth of coastal property will likely be below sea level if current trends continue.3
  • Coastal erosion has already led to several community relocation efforts, including efforts in Alaska and Washington State.4

Impact on Children's Mental Health

  • Climate change and its effects, such as floods, hurricanes and displacement from homes, can lead to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as long-term mental health challenges for children. Children and teens rely on support from parents and caregivers to cope with such stressors.5 The coastal impacts of climate change such as sea level rise are projected to worsen and may require actions such as planned relocation.2
  • The typical signs of stress differ by age group. Some typical signs by age group include:
    • Preschool age: having bad dreams, acting younger than their actual age, complaining often about illnesses like stomachaches, no longer enjoying activities they typically enjoy, and being irritable.
    • Elementary and middle school age: worrying about the safety of themselves or others, having irrational fears, nightmares and sleep problems, experiencing difficulty in school, complaining of headaches or stomachaches with no underlying cause, and not enjoying activities they typically enjoy.
    • High school age: feeling self-conscious or guilty about their feelings, not enjoying activities they typically enjoy, having difficulty concentrating, acting impulsively, and experiencing emotional numbness.6

What can I do?

Regional Spotlight: Sea Level Rise the Southeast

The Southeast includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

  • Throughout the Southeast, sea levels rose 6 inches between 1970 and 2020. Sea level is predicted to rise an additional 16 to 23 inches by 2050, relative to 2000.7
  • An assessment by the Florida Department of Health determined that 590,000 people in South Florida face “extreme” or “high” risks from sea level rise. Of those people, 55,000 have existing medical conditions and 125,000 have been identified as socially vulnerable (for example, those living in poverty, without access to transportation, or living in crowded housing). In addition to causing direct injury, storm surge and related flooding can damage or block roads and affect access to health care facilities.8

More Resources

Children's Health

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Last updated on September 17, 2024