Effects of Global Climate Change at the Virginia Coast Reserve
This report examines the impacts of global climate change on the Virginia Coast Reserve and Eastern Shore ecosystems, including barrier islands, coastal bays, tidal marshes and uplands. It identifies key risks such as sea level rise, warming temperatures and storm impacts, and outlines strategies to enhance resilience and guide adaptation.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Conservation Planning
Executive Summary
This report explores the impacts of global climate change on the Virginia Coast Reserve and the broader Eastern Shore of Virginia. The region includes barrier islands, coastal bays and lagoons, tidal salt marshes and upland forests that support globally important biodiversity and migratory bird populations. Through expert workshops and scientific literature review, the study evaluates how climate drivers such as sea level rise, increasing air and water temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns may alter these ecosystems. Findings highlight major risks including barrier island migration, marsh loss, habitat conversion and species displacement. The report also identifies thresholds where ecosystems may undergo significant state changes. It provides a foundation for climate adaptation strategies aimed at increasing resilience, informing conservation planning and supporting long term ecosystem sustainability in a dynamic coastal environment.