Climate change in North Carolina

[1] If current warming trends continue, by 2080 "North Carolina will likely feel like the Florida Panhandle or possibly like northern Mexico within a generation.

[3] "The United States Geological Survey estimates that the lightly developed Outer Banks between Nags Head and Ocracoke could be broken up by new inlets or lost to erosion if sea level rises two feet by the year 2100.

Global sea level rise is caused by melting land ice, and also the fact that warmer water occupies a larger volume (thermal expansion).

While warming waters make these storms more intense, "scientists are not sure whether the recent intensification represents a long-term trend.

In 2012, in response to a study by the United States Geological Survey which predicts accelerating sea level rise, the legislature of North Carolina "passed a law requiring that projected rates of sea level rise be calculated on historical trends and not include accelerated rates of increase.

"[10] Following Hurricane Florence, Elon University conducted a poll exploring public opinions on climate change.