Updating Maryland's sea-level rise projections

With its 3,100 miles of tidal shoreline and low-lying rural and urban lands, “The Free
State” is one of the most vulnerable to sea-level rise. Historically, Marylanders have long
had to contend with rising water levels along its Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean and
coastal bay shores. Shorelines eroded and low-relief lands and islands, some previously
inhabited, were inundated. Prior to the 20th century, this was largely due to the slow
sinking of the land since Earth’s crust is still adjusting to the melting of large masses of
ice following the last glacial period. Over the 20th century, however, the rate of rise of the
average level of tidal waters with respect to land, or relative sea-level rise, has increased,
at least partially as a result of global warming. Moreover, the scientific evidence is
compelling that Earth’s climate will continue to warm and its oceans will rise even more
rapidly.

Recognizing the scientific consensus around global climate change, the contribution
of human activities to it, and the vulnerability of Maryland’s people, property, public
investments, and natural resources, Governor Martin O’Malley established the Maryland
Commission on Climate Change on April 20, 2007. The Commission produced a Plan of
Action that included a comprehensive climate change impact assessment, a greenhouse
gas reduction strategy, and strategies for reducing Maryland’s vulnerability to climate
change. The Plan has led to landmark legislation to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas
emissions and a variety of state policies designed to reduce energy consumption and
promote adaptation to climate change.