Sea level rise and warming temperatures are intensifying storm surge, flooding, and erosion on Block Island. In response, the Town of New Shoreham—working alongside The Nature Conservancy, local partners, and the broader community—is advancing projects and planning efforts to strengthen the island’s resilience. This map highlights some of the many ways we are actively protecting and sustaining Block Island, both now and into the future.
Working Together on Climate Resiliency
Town of New Shoreham’s Coastal Resilience Committee
The Town of New Shoreham’s Coastal Resilience Committee (formerly the Sea Level Rise Committee) was created in 2022 to gather current scientific data and build on community knowledge to advise the town on priority actions that will improve Block Island’s coastal resiliency. The CRC meets the first Tuesday of every month at 3pm at Town Hall. Learn more by clicking here
University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute
The University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute identified Block Island as one of their Climate Response Demonstration Sites, connecting the island with research and projects that advance resilience efforts. View their Block Island story map and learn more by clicking here.
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s Municipal Resilience Program
Block Island has participated in the Municipal Resilience Program which identifies priority projects and strategies to improve the island’s resilience to all natural and climate-related hazards since 2021. To learn more about the program and read New Shoreham’s summary of findings, click here.