Coastal Risk Finder is an interactive mapping tool designed to provide localized projections of sea level rise and coastal flood risks. It enables users to explore global and regional flood scenarios to understand how climate change may impact specific communities and infrastructure over time. For finance professionals, this tool is essential for identifying physical risks associated with coastal assets and long-term geographic vulnerabilities.

Organisation behind the tool

The tool was developed and is maintained by Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators who research and report the facts about our changing climate and its impact on the public.

What the tool does

• Generates customisable, localized maps based on projected sea level rise and annual flood risk.
• Allows users to filter data by year (ranging from 2030 to 2100) and specific water levels.
• Provides visual screenings of areas vulnerable to permanent inundation versus periodic flooding.
• Integrates global elevation datasets to assess the exposure of populations and land areas.

Target audience

The primary audience includes government officials, community leaders, and climate scientists. It is also designed for researchers, educators, media professionals, and the general public to support adaptation planning and risk communication.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – Identifying high-risk zones for real estate portfolios, infrastructure projects, and coastal developments.
• ESG analysis – Providing data-backed environmental metrics for sustainability reporting and physical risk disclosures.
• Market/commodity insights – Evaluating potential disruptions to coastal logistics, ports, and industrial hubs.
• Investment context – Informing long-term capital allocation by anticipating economic shifts caused by sea level rise.