North Carolina is home to the largest estuarine system on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, lined by barrier islands and more than 2,300 square miles of coastal land vulnerable to rising seas. Dramatic news coverage shows Outer Banks homes being swept out to sea, but these stories are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact of sea level rise on the state and its most vulnerable citizens and ecosystems.
Under the leadership of photojournalist Jenny Adler, the team was on the ground for a month in early 2025 reporting this package. During a month-long immersive reporting course at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C., undergraduate and graduate students in a Science Journalism course reported local stories focused on sea level rise.
Their stories approach sea level rise and resilience from new perspectives, from investigating the language we use to talk about climate change Down East to seeing changes in coastal ecosystems over time through the lens of duck hunters. The series takes a deep dive into what it means to be resilient, from the health consequences of flooding and mold to indigenous-led environmental stewardship.
Reporting Team
Stories
Climate Change By Any Other Name
The coastal southeast is already feeling the consequences of climate change–most people just don’t call it that.
On The Wings of Change
Rising seas threaten ducks and duck hunting Down East. How does this affect hunters and artists alike?
Rising Tides and Raising Houses
As sea level rises, 79 percent of properties in Beaufort are at risk of flooding. Residents of coastal communities must adapt or relocate.
Rooted in the Land, Ready for the Future
A new generation of tribal scientists and storytellers is rebuilding ties between land and water, and preparing for what comes next.
This series was supported by the Pulitzer Center, whose mission is to create innovative and consequential reporting around the world.
