Coastlines Under Attack (Part 3): Strategic Withdrawal – The Difficult Decisions We Face

Description

The third in a series of three webinars focusing on the current state of affairs along our developed coast, strategy that is needed to meet these challenges, and some of the tough decisions that will need to be made regarding protecting certain coastal areas while abandoning others.

Rising seas are putting pressure on coastal communities like never before.  At the same time, we continue to develop real estate in our coastal regions.  Webinar discussion will begin with the realities we are facing presently, and will continue with a review of past practices and will then shift to innovative solutions that offer hope for embattled coastal communities.  Finally, the series will conclude with an eye toward the future.

Time is running out, and important decisions loom ahead.

The sad truth is that it is simply not possible to protect all existing coastal communities. Highly vulnerable regions will simply have be abandoned.  These are realities are difficult to confront.

The conversation is a difficult one.  Whole nations, highly vulnerable to rising seas, are having discussions about relocating.  In many cases, plans are already in place to abandon entire communities.

We have built up many coastal areas that are totally unsuitable for human occupation.  Now, as sea levels rise and storm impacts increase, these regions face agonizing decisions.

In his 2021 book, Moving to Higher Ground, John Englander discussed the realities of the challenges ahead.  In particular, he warned that we must plan for more frequent flood events and long-term sea level rise.  Additionally, Mr. Englander stated firmly that we must reduce global CO₂ emissions and confront other critical environmental issues including plastics in our oceans, reef protection and wildlife and ecosystem conservation.

You are invited to join returning Stormwater University presenter Peter M. Hanrahan, CPESC for this important conversation.

As we look to the future, the problem is two-fold.  First of all, we must decide which coastal property should be protected, and which should be abandoned.  Secondly, we need to do everything in our power to undo the damage caused by our own practices.

There is not a moment to lose.

Learning Objectives

• Develop a sense of urgency regarding the critical importance of long-term planning regarding beach protection
• Recognize some coastal communities, indeed entire nations, need to prepare for possible abandonment or relocation