A celebration of New Jersey’s beloved coastlines—and a sobering look at what’s at stake.
As Shore Week wraps up here in New Jersey, we’re reflecting on the iconic beauty and undeniable cultural importance of the Jersey Shore—a place where generations have built memories, summer after summer. From boardwalk strolls in Asbury Park to peaceful sunsets in Cape May, the Shore is more than just a destination—it’s a defining part of who we are.
But alongside the joy and nostalgia, there’s a growing truth we can no longer ignore: our shoreline is in danger.
That’s why, in honor of NJ PBS’ weeklong tribute to the Jersey Shore, we’re capping off the celebration with a powerful encore presentation of Paradox: Rising Waters and Mounting Costs—a deeply moving and eye-opening documentary produced to spotlight the environmental threats facing our coast.
Paradox: Rising Waters and Mounting Costs – A Documentary That Demands Attention
This critically acclaimed documentary pulls back the curtain on a crisis that’s quietly reshaping the Jersey Shore—one storm surge, one high tide at a time. Sea level rise, increasingly intense storms, and the escalating cost of protecting (and rebuilding) coastal infrastructure are creating a complex web of challenges for towns that depend on tourism, tradition, and the resilience of the people who live there.
Through compelling storytelling, real community voices, and striking visuals, Paradox explores the harsh reality: the very features that make the Jersey Shore so magnetic—its low-lying beaches, fragile dunes, and vibrant boardwalks—are also what make it especially vulnerable.
From Toms River to Atlantic City, the documentary takes viewers on a journey through communities that are not only dealing with climate change but are also grappling with difficult decisions about the future: retreat, reinforce, or reimagine?
Why This Matters to Every New Jerseyan
For lifelong locals, Shore visitors, and newcomers alike, Paradox is more than just a documentary—it’s a wake-up call. It challenges us to consider what we’re willing to do to preserve the places we love. How do we balance the rising cost of maintaining oceanfront towns with the emotional and economic importance they hold? What does “adaptation” really look like for communities built just steps from rising tides?
Shore Week is about celebrating everything that makes the coast magical—but Paradox reminds us that celebrating means protecting, too.
New Jersey at a Crossroads: Sustainability, Economy, and Legacy
The film also dives into the financial paradox at the heart of the issue: we continue to pour millions into rebuilding and defending these shoreline towns, but is it sustainable in the long run? How do local governments, homeowners, and businesses manage these ballooning costs—especially when insurance companies and federal funds don’t always fill the gap?
This is a defining moment for New Jersey. As the sea inches higher and the storms get stronger, we must ask ourselves not just how we respond, but how we plan, innovate, and lead.
Tune In, Get Involved, and Be Part of the Conversation
We invite you to join us tonight for the encore presentation of Paradox: Rising Waters and Mounting Costs, a film that doesn’t just tell a story—it inspires action. Whether you’re a climate advocate, a Jersey Shore lover, or simply someone who believes in protecting New Jersey’s future, this documentary is essential viewing.
The Jersey Shore has given us so much—now it’s our turn to give back by staying informed and making choices that support sustainability and resilience.
Don’t miss the encore presentation of Paradox: Rising Waters and Mounting Costs tonight on NJ PBS. Let’s close Shore Week not just with memories, but with momentum.
Explore more stories on environmental resilience, local voices, and the future of New Jersey’s coastline—right here on Explore New Jersey.