Hampton Roads is the region most impacted by sea level rise on the east coast. Hampton Roads is experiencing rapid rates due to subsidence, or gradual sinking of the land. Contributors to subsidence include glacial isostatic adjustment and high water extraction rates. 

According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, if medium to high reference scenario is used, resulting from no additional climate policy, sea level will rise about 3ft in the Hampton Roads region.

According to Climate Change in Hampton Roads, a report published by the Hampton Roads Planning District, three feet of sea level rise could displace up to 176,000 people—equivalent to 84% of Richmond's population.

As sea level rises, it increases the water levels in the water table. This increases the probability of flooding events. 

These events are disproportionately felt in low-income, marginalized communities with fewer resources. There are limited government resources to protect coastlines. These resources are commonly distributed based on property value, which leaves out marginalized, low-income communities. In fact, as of April 2023, a proposed flood wall funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers left out several majority-Black and lower-income neighborhoods. After pushback from the local communities, the US Army Corps of Engineers has said they will reevaluate to account for environmental justice concerns.