Future planning should take global warming and consequent sea-level rises into consideration in order to ensure adaptation of coastal communities to consequences of sea level rise. For example, building protective sea walls and restricting coastal development in areas at risk, are planning measures that could minimize damage from rising sea levels over the next century. Property owners and federal, state, and local governments are already starting to take measures to prepare for the consequences of rising sea level. Some coastal communities place sand onto their beaches to offset shore erosion. Property owners are elevating existing structures in many low-lying areas, encouraged by lower flood insurance rates.
Coastal cities should adopt policies to ensure that beaches, dunes, or wetlands are able to migrate inland as sea level rises. Some states prohibit new houses in areas likely to be eroded in the next 30-60 years.
In terms of salinisation of fresh water resources, water management authorities currently prevent excessive salinity by releasing fresh water from reservoirs during droughts. One possible response to sea level rise would be to store more water during wet seasons so that more water can be released during droughts. However, other water management goals (e.g. flood prevention) may make it difficult to save extra water for the occasional drought. The impacts of climate change on local hydrology may offset or increase salinity increases due to sea level rise.