Why Chronic Floods Are Coming to New Jersey

• This Vox video discusses the current and future challenges of sea level rise in New Jersey, including the importance of wetlands like the New Jersey Meadowlands in mitigating flooding.
• Although chronic flooding might not become an issue for years in some locations, the video stresses that cities in many parts of the world will need to start planning and preparing now for substantial amounts of sea level rise. 
  

Positives

• The maps are very helpful in understanding the risk of flooding from tides, storms, and rain events in New Jersey.
• The video discusses the impact of flooding on the rail system in the Northeast and how sea level rise will make flooding issues more common for many types of transportation in the near future.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• There may be an advertisement before the video.
• Students should be familiar with terms such as tides, prevention, adaptation, and retreat. 
  

Differentiation

• Biology and environmental science classes could use this video for lessons about coastal ecosystems, land use changes, the functions of ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change on oceans and water cycle.
• Social studies classes could use this resource when discussing climate adaptation, the financial costs of inaction, human migration, environmental refugees, and other locations around the world at risk of sea level rise. 
• Advanced students could research sea level rise adaptation strategies in other cities and countries around the world.