Some of the climate changes will be irreversible for millennia. But some can be slowed and even stopped if countries quickly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, including from burning fossil fuels.

Healthy corals and mangroves break waves and dissipate their energy. Paired with unobtrusive hardened structures, they can provide powerful storm solutions.

In principle, some portion of the shoreline is public land along virtually all US coasts. But these can sometimes overlap with private property interests, creating confusion and conflict.

Killer whales among the animals at risk from a 'second wave' of pollutants, as coasts erode and sea levels rise.

Structures are built to withstand a normal range of conditions. But what's 'normal' is changing rapidly.

The world's nuclear power plants are on the frontline of climate change – and not in a good way.

Many coastal US cities are contending with increasingly frequent and severe tidal flooding as sea levels rise. Some are considering building seawalls, but this strategy is not simple or cheap.