A growing body of evidence shows wetlands and reefs reduce flooding and erosion in adjacent communities better than hard infrastructure does.
Report on the risks posed by climate change in 2050 warns there could be significant damage to the economy if it is not ‘future-proofed.’
Now we have the science to value the economic and social benefits of natural infrastructure like wetlands and reefs.
To deliver sustained growth and wellbeing, we need to value natural capital, recognize the human hand in climate change and take preventive action against climate-related calamities.
A new study led by UCSC researchers finds more than $600 million in property losses were prevented during Hurricane sandy by coastal habitats in the Northeast coast.
As sea-levels rise and weather-related threats continue to increase, opportunities emerge for people and local governments to build “living shorelines” designed to reduce risk to communities and infrastructure from flooding and storm surge, while often providing the ecosystem benefits of habitat.