But he said temporary flooding during storms previewed what would become permanent as sea level rose. Mr. Tanski of Sea Grant said the predicted rate of sea-level rise might be too great for wetlands to adjust naturally or retreat inland. He said a revamping of regulations to allow intervention might be necessary. Some regulations that sought to protect wetlands in the short term might harm them in the long term in the face of rising sea levels, he said. The recent research might spur the use of beach nourishment as an early response to global warming, particularly on the South Shore barrier islands.
Some communities already make allowances for the rising sea level.
Now, when we bulkhead, we bulkhead higher. Dr. Koppelman said international action to reduce pollution was all that would spare the region and the world. Otherwise, we'll be riding gondolas to the World Trade Center. The New York Times Company May not be reproduced or transmitted without permission .