Rising Seas Threaten US Military Base in Marshall Islands

Experts warn that a recent series of extreme waves causing significant damage to a U.S. military base in the Marshall Islands may signal more perilous coastal behavior in the future, potentially exacerbated by rising sea levels due to climate change. The waves inundated one-third of the island of Roi-Namor, prompting evacuations and highlighting the vulnerability of low-lying areas to powerful, destructive waves. Factors such as coastal topography, weather conditions, and tide cycles may have contributed to the strength of the waves, with recovery efforts expected to be lengthy and challenging.