World Map -- Coastal Vulnerability (IMAGE) Northern Illinois University Caption A new study finds that about 31 million people worldwide live in coastal regions that are "highly vulnerable" to future tropical storms and sea-level rise driven by climate change. But in some of those regions, powerful defenses are located just offshore. Credit Northern Illinois University Usage Restrictions Please credit Northern Illinois University License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.