Coastal Forest Loss Speeds Up: Albemarle Peninsula trees retreat 21%; ghost forests spread faster

Over the last 36 years, North Carolina's coastal forests have seen a dramatic decrease in forest cover.

The decline sped up after 2010 due to rising sea levels and increased salinity.

The research revealed a troubling shift, with once green areas transforming into marshes, shrubs, or ghost forests.

Moreover, extreme weather events have intensified the threat of saltwater intrusion, making these forests increasingly vulnerable.