<\/a>Island students decided to conduct their own study of how such changes are influencing their peers and presented the findings to the Dare County Board of Education.<\/p><\/div>\n
Diving Deeper<\/h3>\n
The group administering the survey asked students who had responded whether they would be willing to participate in a focus group, and 28% agreed to do so. Using a variety of criteria, 15 students were chosen from grades 6 to 8 and grades 9 to 12 to participate.<\/p>\n
In the focus group, students talked about how to combat problems resulting from the increase in flooding. They mentioned stricter building codes, including hurricane-proof dwellings, and added that they did not believe that anyone should be allowed to build on the ocean or sound fronts.<\/p>\n
The group discussed Highway 12 and how it seems like lost dunes are constantly being pushed into place by heavy machinery. Students asked why sea oats were not being planted on the dunes anymore, since sea oats act as a stabilizing force.<\/p>\n
During the conversation, students indicated certain thin strips of the island that frequently wash over and passionately advocated for allowing the ocean and sound to flow over such places on the island. They appreciated the value of natural inlets, which permit this water flow and presumably relieve stress on other parts of the island, where land would thicken and grow. Over natural inlets, the state could build small bridges or causeways, similar to the Florida Keys. Students also discussed federal and state storm assistance, as well as insurance claims for locals and non-resident homeowners.<\/p>\n
How Long Will the Community Survive?<\/h3>\n
The final question: How long do you think our community has left to live on this island?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nThe middle school group had a bleak outlook, replying 20 years or less.<\/p>\n
High school students did not think they would live to see the end of our island, responding not in my lifetime or around 100 years.<\/p>\n
Students also said these views would influence their decisions on where to settle after high school. Most planned to move away from the island.<\/p>\n
How does this impact the future workforce of Hatteras Island? What will happen to our community\u2019s unique culture, traditions, and resilient spirit if those who were born and grew up here move away?<\/p>\n
Questions remain. However, students also realized that they have the power to advocate as the next generation of change-makers on our island. They met up with a local county commissioner to address concerns and brainstorm solutions, and they already presented their findings to the Dare County Board of Education in February (above).<\/p>\n
The impacts of climate change on our coast continue to be important for all those involved, and students may indeed be the driving force for adapting to climate change on Hatteras Island.<\/p>\n
more from Coastwatch<\/em> on climate change<\/a><\/p>\n