While no one is immune to climate change, some populations will undoubtedly bear the brunt of its impacts. The North Suffolk region is particularly at risk due to its proximity to the coast and high percentage of socially vulnerable populations. Rising sea levels significantly increase the intensity of storm surges and flooding along the coast. At the same time, the region’s dense development and limited open space leads to more inland flooding from rain or snowfall. Meanwhile, rising temperatures exacerbated by the heat island effect also put residents at risk of heat stroke and other serious illnesses, particularly those: without air conditioning at home, who do not have cars or work in sectors such as restaurants and landscaping, with greater exposure to summer heat.

As seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, deep-rooted systemic inequities often leave the most vulnerable with the fewest resources to prepare and adapt. The same is true for disadvantaged communities facing the dangers of a changing climate. In FY22, NSORS conducted a Social Vulnerability and Equity Assessment to identify the North Suffolk populations most vulnerable to climate change, the barriers preventing equitable resilience, and the gaps in resources that could provide residents with the capacity to adapt.