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[ Back to "A profoundly altered landscape" ]

Forests may change dramatically, including a drastic reduction in familiar species such as maples, which provide fall foliage and maple syrup. Freshwater fish populations, including trout and bass, could decline, adversely affecting recreational fishing. "Brown tides," harmful algal blooms that can kill fish and force the closing of beaches and shellfishing areas, could become more frequent and more intense. Sea level could rise 20 inches or more, destroying some low-lying areas and wetlands. During major storms, the higher levels could inundate large areas of some coastal cities. Populations of birds such as herons, egrets, and sparrows that depend on salt marshes could decline severely if those habitats are altered by rising seas.

The shrinking of Cape Cod Town of Orleans - now Town of Orleans - after 3-foot rise in sea level The increase in global temperatures is expected to cause the sea level to rise worldwide, though some places will be far more affected than others. While the Northeast overall will see lesser rises than many other places, some vulnerable areas, such as Cape Cod and the islands, could lose significant amounts of land. These illustrations by the National Environmental Trust show the effects of a 3-foot rise in sea level on the town of Orleans and surrounding land.

By David L. Chandler and Richard Sanchez, Globe Staff