By 2050, sea levels along the United States coast are expected to rise by 0.25 to 0.30 meters, increasing flooding in low-lying areas.
By 2050, sea levels along the United States coast are expected to rise by 0.25 to 0.30 meters, increasing flooding in low-lying areas. Due to its unique geography and infrastructure network, the Florida Keys is particularly at risk of climate hazards such as sea level rise, hurricanes and flooding. Since 2015, the Florida Keys has experienced four hurricanes – Irma (2107), Ian (2022), Helene (2024) and Milton (2024).
Nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and coastal strands, can help mitigate these risks by stabilizing shorelines, improving ecosystems and enhancing resilience to flooding and hurricanes. These solutions, alongside hybrid approaches and soft armoring, which uses natural materials like plants, sand dunes, or rocks to protect shorelines from erosion, offer effective, site-specific protection.
While living shorelines are beneficial, they require careful design and planning to optimize their effectiveness.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, created a new tool to identify the most effective shoreline stabilization methods to prevent erosion and protect the Florida Keys from damage caused by natural forces like waves, tides and storms. Maintaining the shape and integrity of the shoreline reduces the risk of further erosion while protecting ecosystems, properties and infrastructure.
Read more at Florida Atlantic University
Photo Credit: DesignScape via Pixabay
