How climate change and rising seas endanger historic sites like Jamestown, Virginia

Historic sites across the United States face an existential threat from rising sea levels and coastal erosion, with Jamestown, Virginia, serving as a critical example. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, these vital pieces of American history are at risk of being washed away.

Archaeologists at Jamestown are engaged in a race against time. They are working to uncover and preserve artifacts from America's past before the encroaching sea claims them permanently. This effort underscores the tangible impact of climate change on cultural heritage.

Special correspondent Ben Tracy, reporting for Climate Central's 'Tipping Point' series, documented the urgent situation. The series focuses on the profound effects of climate change, highlighting how rising waters and erosion are endangering irreplaceable historical locations. The work at Jamestown exemplifies the broader challenge of protecting vulnerable sites nationwide.