How many square miles of land are at risk of being lost in the next 50 years?

The assessment that 4,100 square miles of land along the Louisiana coast are at risk of being lost in the next 50 years is based on extensive research and modeling of coastal erosion, land subsidence, and the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise. Louisiana's coastal ecosystem is particularly vulnerable due to its geography, hydrology, and human activities that have altered natural land formations.

This figure highlights the alarming rate at which vital habitats, including wetlands and marshlands, are disappearing, which can have substantial implications for biodiversity, local economies, and protection against storms. The loss of these areas not only threatens wildlife and plant species but also affects the communities that rely on these ecosystems for fishing, recreation, and protection from storm surges.

The other figures, while they indicate significant amounts of land loss, do not match the most recent estimates derived from scientific studies and models that evaluate the long-term impacts of environmental changes on Louisiana's coast. Recognizing the urgency attached to the 4,100 square mile figure underscores the need for effective management and mitigation strategies to address these environmental challenges.