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The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that significant portions of the U.S. East and Gulf Coast electricity grids are currently exposed to coastal flooding, a risk that will increase as sea levels rise. In the central Gulf Coast specifically, 188 major substations and 20 power plants are currently at risk from a major storm. The report argues that relying on historical flood data is insufficient and recommends a combination of infrastructure adaptation (protection, accommodation, and retreat) and the deployment of decentralized clean energy solutions—such as microgrids and solar with storage—to ensure community resilience and reduce the carbon emissions driving sea level rise.

The report finds that significant portions of the U.S. East and Gulf Coast electricity grids are exposed to coastal flooding, with the Delaware Valley specifically facing risks to 79 substations and 35 power plants under current Category 3 hurricane conditions. It warns that reliance on historical flood data underestimates future risks as sea levels rise, potentially leading to widespread, long-lasting power outages. To address this, the authors recommend a combination of infrastructure adaptation (protection, accommodation, and retreat) and the deployment of decentralized clean energy technologies—such as solar with storage, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and microgrids—to ensure critical facilities remain powered during grid failures while reducing the carbon emissions that drive sea level rise.

The report 'Reefs at Risk' assesses the global status of coral reefs, finding that 58% are potentially threatened by human activities. It identifies overexploitation and coastal development as the primary drivers of risk, with Southeast Asia being the most threatened region. The study utilizes a map-based indicator to flag high-risk areas, particularly biodiversity hot spots, and evaluates the current state of marine protected areas (MPAs).