New Orleans could become an island by the end of the century

As the climate continues to heat up, researchers say New Orleans may become an island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico by the end of the century, and much of the population may flee rising waters even before then.

A study published in the Nature Sustainability journal found that historical evidence points to the likelihood that New Orleans will lose 75% of its remaining wetlands by 2070. Wetlands act as a buffer to floods, so their loss would put the city at greater risk of flooding. 

If current trends hold, the climate may be headed for an increase of 2 degrees Celsius, leading researchers to predict that Southern Louisiana will experience a sea-level rise of 10 to 23 feet, making the shoreline retreat up to 62 miles. Much of New Orleans is already sitting below sea level.

Researchers are urging state officials to prepare now for a multigenerational relocation. Such a plan could be a blueprint for other communities around the world dealing with similar challenges, they say. 

Researchers warn that the housing market is not equipped to deal with sudden demand for relocating people from a city with a population of nearly 400,000.