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The warnings keep coming. The rising sea level threatens development all along the U.S. coast, and North Carolina is especially vulnerable.

A state panel last year estimated sea level will rise 39 inches by the end of the century. It doesn't sound like much until one realizes that vast areas along North Carolina's coast lie at 39 inches or less above sea level today.

And some scientists say 39 inches is too low a figure.

"All indications are that we should be alarmed about the future of sea level rise and should be doing something about it now," wrote Orrin H. Pilkey of Duke and Rob Young of Western Carolina in their 2009 book, "The Rising Sea."

They advise planning to deal with a rise of seven feet, more than twice the 39-inch figure. Steps would include immediate prohibitions of high-rise construction on the coast and planning to relocate infrastructure such as roads and water and sewer systems.

"Buildings placed in future hazardous zones should be small and movable or disposable," they recommend.

These seem like radical actions. After all, North Carolina's attractive beach communities drive a thriving tourist economy. They represent billions of dollars of investment. The state continues to spend big money supporting the coastal economy, as shown by its decision to replace the Bonner Bridge across Oregon Inlet at a cost of $300 million -- although Pilkey and Young assert "it is likely to go to sea within the life span of the bridge."

The dilemma is immense: continue to support the coastal economy at great expense for relatively short-term benefit, or begin to pull back rather than risk throwing money into a rising tide.

Part of the answer depends on how much credence to give dire predictions, or how much faith to place in the belief that coastal areas can weather the storms to come.

What's known is that the ocean has carved the coast for ages. That won't stop. Development at or slightly above sea level is at risk. That can be seen by what's already been lost to the waves. The state must set policies aimed at avoiding future losses.