What is Coastal Resilience
Coastal and storm resilience is the capacity to adapt to and withstand the effects of flooding, destructive waves and climate change. By building resilient coasts and wetlands, we can restore habitat for fish and wildlife and protect natural infrastructure.
The Problem
Nearly half of the world’s population—some 3.5 billion people—live near coasts. As climate change heightens the effects of storms, flooding and erosion, the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people will be at even greater risk.
Our Solutions
We know that nature reduces risk. Using a combination of science and nature-based solutions, our dedicated team of biologists and engineers are helping protect and restore coastal wetlands, marshes and mangrove forests to demonstrate the value of nature as an effective way to protect people and communities from flood and storm damage.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Weather-related disasters cost the global economy $250 billion every year
- Healthy coastal wetlands and marshes can reduce the wave energy that would normally hit coastlines by over 90%
- 40% of the U.S. population live in or near coastal communities that are exposed to increased risks from flooding, hurricanes and erosion
Wetlands play a crucial role in enhancing coastal resiliency, acting as natural buffers that absorb storm surges and can help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. By restoring these vital ecosystems, we can enhance natural lines of defense (wetlands, levees, marshes) that could help protect coastal areas, possibly reduce economic losses and support the well-being of communities.
How DU is Helping Build Resilient Coasts
Saltmarshes: Saltmarsh wetlands are important buffers between land and sea—binding sediments and reducing wave action and storm surge.
Living Shorelines: Marsh terraces are “v” shaped or linear island that are built in areas of open water to reduce wave action to prevent erosion and rebuild marsh. These projects protect and restore coastal marshes that mitigate storm surge flooding and provide important coastal habitat.
Marsh Terraces: Ducks Unlimited deploys living shorelines, a combination of rocks, oysters, and plants, along marsh edges to reduce erosion and even help the marsh grow.
