Buxton, North Carolina Residents Face Coastal Erosion and Climate Change Challenges

Buxton, North Carolina: A Coastal Community Facing Change

Living in Buxton, North Carolina, is like being in a beautiful yet precarious dream. This picturesque community nestled on the Outer Banks offers stunning views of the ocean, but as many residents know all too well, that beauty comes with challenges. Local photographer Daniel Pullen paints a vivid picture of life here, sharing his experiences of watching homes slowly succumb to the tides over the years. “If you could bring some of the old-timers back from the dead and drive them around, they would just be like, ‘Why did you build your house there?’” Pullen lamented.

A Changing Landscape

Over the past four years, the hard reality of coastal living has become even more pronounced, with over ten homes on nearby Hatteras Island lost to the relentless ocean. Just last month, Pullen captured the moment when another structure faced the inevitable fall into the sea. It’s a stark reminder of the fragile balance between living near the ocean and the potential for loss. With nearly 70,000 permanent residents and an influx of more than 5 million visitors each year, the community’s economy is tightly woven into the very fabric of this breathtaking shoreline.

The Science Behind the Sands

The Outer Banks, with its long and narrow barrier islands, serves an essential role as a natural buffer against the ocean’s power. According to oceanographer Reide Corbett, these islands are “always moving.” He highlights the increasing challenges posed by climate change, such as rising sea levels and stronger storms, which create an environment of uncertainty for residents. “The new sand that used to last five to seven years is now being washed away in less than two,” he explained, underscoring the need for effective solutions to protect homes and infrastructure.

Solutions and Challenges

One of the most common responses to erosion concerns is beach rebuilding, where sand is pumped from the ocean back onto the shore. While this can be effective, it comes with a hefty price tag, often exceeding $25 million. With the increasing frequency of storms and changing weather patterns, many are questioning the long-term viability of this approach. “The economics won’t work always. We are, on the other banks, getting to that point,” Corbett noted.

Mitigation Efforts

Not all solutions lie in rebuilding, however. A program led by the National Park Service has focused on buying out and demolishing vulnerable homes. Dave Hallac, who managed this pilot program, emphasized the importance of these buyouts. “None of these owners built their houses in these locations. When they were built, there was a backyard, dunes, maybe even a back dune area,” he explained. This program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, aims to prevent dangerous debris from cluttering the beach and protect the community.

Residents’ Reflections on the Future

As the residents navigate these changes, Pullen shared his reflections on what the future might hold. “Take somebody that grew up in their small little hometown their whole life and just like, ‘Hey, go live somewhere else,’” he said, expressing his sympathy for those faced with the possibility of relocation. Yet, he holds onto a glimmer of hope. “There’s a way it could be managed… to let a barrier island exist the way it was meant to exist.”

Holding On to Hope

For now, those who call the Outer Banks home cling to the sandy shores, living amidst the shifting landscapes of a barrier island. Their stories are woven into the very essence of this stunning coastal community, where the dance between nature and human life continues to unfold in captivating yet challenging ways.