Louisiana's Coastal Wetlands Face 'Ecosystem Collapse' by 2070

Rapid sea level rise threatens to devastate 75% of Louisiana's crucial coastal wetlands, despite extensive restoration efforts.

A new study by Tulane University scientists warns that Louisiana could lose 75% of its coastal wetlands by 2070 due to rapid sea level rise, posing a significant threat to the state's natural defenses against hurricanes.
The research, published in Nature Communications, utilized nearly 400 monitoring sites along the Louisiana coast to document the accelerated sea level rise, which has left the majority of wetlands unable to keep pace.
Louisiana's coastal wetlands play a crucial role in storm protection, tourism, and carbon storage, but are now facing an 'ecosystem collapse' due to the faster-than-expected sea level rise.
Scientists emphasize the importance of adhering to the Paris Agreement to mitigate future wetland loss, highlighting that immediate action could lead to a more sustainable climate trajectory.
Despite efforts to restore coastal wetlands through billion-dollar projects, the state's efforts may be insufficient without global cooperation to reduce carbon emissions.