That’s professor Michael Orbach’s tough-love message. There’s little we can do at this point to significantly slow the rate of sea-level rise, he says. He warns that we best learn to adapt to our watery future.
Archives
Can the Coast Still Be Protected?
North Carolina’s coastal-management program risks losing millions of dollars in federal money each year if a bill that changes the composition of the state’s coastal commission becomes law and fails to meet federal muster.
We Love Estuaries. How About You?
On this Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d give a little love to the state’s vast labyrinth of coastal marshes. We’re part of a national campaign to stand up for estuaries.
The ‘Plastic Ocean’ and Bonnie Monteleone
Bonnie Monteleone set out to document the plastic debris that is killing marine life after a photo of a deformed turtle in a plastic six-pack ring turned her life around.
Federation Saves History, Finds Regional Home
The N.C. Coastal Federation plans to move an historic house to the square in Wrightsville Beach for its new Southeast Regional office and education center.
Onslow Residents Again Fighting Quarry
Residents of Maple Hill are again fighting a proposed quarry that Onslow County turned down a year ago. Martin Marietta has reapplied for a permit that the county Board of Adjustment will consider Tuesday.
Wind Projects on the Ropes, But Not Out
Land-based wind power projects in Beaufort and Pasquotank counties are still in the works, despite considerable challenges that have raised doubts about their future.
Reviving Ocracoke’s Oysters
Ocracoke residents gathered around a pot-bellied stove on a cold winter day to learn how to best monitor little oyster spats and thus bring about the revival of the species.
Opponents of Uranium Mining Breathing Easier
N.C. opponents of lifting a ban on uranium mining in neighboring Virginia have high hopes that the proposal has perished on the political vine, but they’re still wary of backdoor maneuvers that could lead to mining.
Renewable Energy, LID on Environmental Agenda
We take a look at some of the environmental issues that will likely come up during the legislative session, which began in earnest when the N.C. General Assembly convened last night.
Bear Island in the Winter
Sam Bland, our naturalist, returned recently to the home of his heart, his spirit, his soul. Come walk with him on the winter beach as he rediscovers old friends — keyhole urchins and the murex, crystal skippers and fierce antlions.
Wow! This Is a Beautiful Place
The 51 photographers who entered our 2012 Photo Contest blew us away with their ability to capture the natural diversity and stunning beauty of the N.C. coast.
Life on Ocracoke Without the Ferry
The state ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras Island has been out of service since Jan. 18 because of severe shoaling in Hatteras Inlet. The Coast Guard is delivering needed medications and off-island visits to the doctor’s office often require overnight stays.
They Deserve a Break Today?
McDonald’s request for an exemption to the state’s stormwater regulations illustrates how confusing the rules can be, especially when different regulators seem to enforce them differently. It all has one small-town mayor scratching his head in confusion.
Shark Star Mary Lee Drops by Ocracoke
A two-ton Northern Atlantic great white shark that has achieved Internet stardom as Mary Lee paid a visit to Ocracoke last week.
Preserving the Legacy of Ted Miller
The heirs of the late Ted Miller donated a small farm to the N.C. Coastal Federation, which is trying to decide how to best use it to fulfill Miller’s desire that the land benefit future generations.

