How do climate change and sea-level rise affect wetlands?

Climate change and sea-level rise significantly impact wetlands by causing increased flooding and habitat loss. As sea levels rise due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater, the saltwater intrusion can alter the delicate balance of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems within wetlands. This transition may lead to the flooding of coastal areas that were previously dry, inundating the habitats of various plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems.

Moreover, intensified precipitation and storms associated with climate change contribute to further flooding, exacerbating erosion and altering sediment deposition patterns. These changes can disrupt the natural functions of wetlands, such as water filtration and serving as a habitat for diverse wildlife. Therefore, the consequence of climate change and sea-level rise results in the deterioration of wetlands, leading to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of essential ecosystem services they provide.