Past misconceptions propose shoreline “hardening” tactics, which have been shown to create problems such as structural interference with natural water currents and high costs to install and maintain them. However, a shift to more nature-based stabilization techniques has demonstrated the enhancement of the natural ability of shorelines to absorb and dissipate storm energy without interfering with natural coastal processes. Natural-based solutions (NBS) are strategies that utilize natural processes and ecosystems to address environmental challenges.
One common strategy following NBS is beach nourishment and restoration. This process includes adding sediment, such as sand, to replenish eroded beaches. This serves as a buffer against erosion and improves the recreational value of the beach. However, this measure contains controversy as it has the potential to adversely impact a variety of natural resources as well as high expenses. Consequently, these projects must comply with a wide range of complex laws and regulations. Many communities that practice beach nourishment such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) require authorization to carry out beach nourishment for shoreline protection. Other solutions are also recommended to provide sustained maintenance alongside beach nourishment practices to ensure erosion control.
In addition, dune restoration and stabilization is another example of NBS that restores and enhances dune systems along coastlines. Planting native vegetation and an assortment of grasses and shrubs preserves the dune ecosystem. This strategy helps trap added and existing sediments and acts as a natural barrier against erosion.
Furthermore, implementing living shoreline techniques directly considers natural-based solutions to slow erosion effects. This process includes conserving natural elements such as native vegetation and wildlife to stabilize and protect coastlines. Elements like oyster reefs and submerged aquatic vegetation help dissipate wave energy, trap sediment, and create habitats for diverse marine species which counteracts biodiversity loss and the effects of erosion.
Another example of NBS is green infrastructure. This strategy includes implementing natural systems in urban areas to manage stormwater runoff. Techniques such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and bioswales retain and filter stormwater to reduce runoff eroding shorelines.
Lastly, integrated coastal zone management utilizes natural-based components to reduce erosion on the coast. Adopting an integrated approach to coastal zone management considers the interaction between land, water, and human activities. This influences collaborative efforts of comprehensive planning, decision-making, and monitoring. This process creates an overall balance across crucial disciplines of environmental protection, economic development, and social well-being to ensure all projects are considerate of the ultimate goal to reduce the detrimental impact of coastal erosion.
Wow, I had no clue we lost 80,000 acres of wet lands a year. It is frightening to think about the large amounts of land being ravished due to extreme weather conditions and erosion. It was nice to read about ways that these impacts are being mitigated, and I am hopeful that we will see green infrastructure used more commonly in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the wide variety of solutions that could be implemented to help with the detrimental effects of climate change, or that they could be categorized under NBS strategies. As a civil engineering student, I know a decent amount about erosion and soil liquification and how damaging they can be on our infrastructure. I really enjoyed reading about the ways we can restore beaches and dunes.
ReplyDeleteRestoring coastlines affected by erosion requires a shift from traditional hardening methods to nature-based solutions that enhance natural processes, such as beach nourishment, dune restoration, and living shorelines, which not only mitigate erosion but also support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
ReplyDelete80,000 acres a year is an absolutely wild statistic. I didn't realize that it's as bad as it is until now.
ReplyDeleteI have always noticed this when I go to lake Michigan, houses are having to be removed and relocated because of erosion. You did a lot of great research for this blog! We are the worst procrastinators when it comes to the environment and now we are paying double or triple to restore what once was.
ReplyDeleteThe statistic that 7 football fields of coastline are disappearing every hour was really jarring and definably put the issue into perspective for me. My family goes down to Florida for spring break every year and the beach where we go started implementing dune protection/integration when was around 10 years old and its already reduced flooding and the impact of hurricanes on our property so much.
ReplyDeleteI thought your use of visuals in this post was particularly compelling. As much as coastline erosion is discussed, it is weak to the Lucretius problem. The worst erosion I can picture is the erosion I've seen, and the pictures you included really expand those horizons.
ReplyDeletei really like the idea of green roofs its such a good idea and as for coastal shore management if i am not mistaken i believe some parts of the US and world have started to do this.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics you provided, such as the loss of more than 80,000 acres of coastal wetlands annually in the United States, really highlight the urgency of the situation. The economic impact, with $500 million per year in damages and $150 million spent on shoreline control measures, underscores the need for effective and sustainable solutions.
ReplyDeleteI knew that there was an issue with coastal erosion, but I never would have expected it to be as severe as 80,000 acres a year! It is nice to see that there are people working to improve the conditions of coastal shorelines in ways that aren't as disruptive to nature.
ReplyDeleteI think the efforts to reduce coastal erosion and the action being taken to replenish the coastline that has already eroded is amazing. It is just really unfortunate that it goes so far before people start finding solutions to help it.
ReplyDeleteLosing the amount of 7 football fields in coastal wetlands per hour, each day in just the United States is one of the most unbelievable facts I've heard in connection to climate change and in general.
ReplyDeleteWe love coastlines and beaches and when we live near them or own them we want to protect them and that is all good, and your natural methods are clearly better than artificial ones. The bottom line however is that sea levels are rising, with attendant storm surges and flooding. We also need to be planning retreat from coastlines, homes, yes, and perhaps especially industries, particularly ones with chemicals or dangerous substances such as oil refineries.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to hear about such a big change with the beach and coastlines. They are so near and dear to us and most people live on the coastlines that in the coming years, this will make a major impact.
ReplyDeleteOur coastlines are so so vital, and yet make stunning real estate destinations. Overdevelopment and improper preservation methods are endangering these fragile ecosystems, and I wish we were more willing to push back against wealthy developers and such, who damage these the most in favor of some superficial 'aesthetic'. Besides, with climate change going in its current direction, those coastlines will be chronically flooded anyway.. Seems a fool's bargain to build a mega condo or mansion on a seaside bluff right now. Makes me wonder if it's worth trying to save these lost causes.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has never gone to an ocean coast, I can’t imagine living in an area where I must watch such beautiful creations be destroyed due to something us humans created. The fact that in just the United States more than 80,000 acres of coastal wetlands are lost every year is heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThe shift from shoreline hardening to natural-based solutions is encouraging, especially since methods like dune restoration, living shorelines, and green infrastructure work with nature rather than against it. Hopefully, these strategies can be implemented on a larger scale to protect vulnerable coastal communities and ecosystems.
ReplyDeleteI've been on many coastlines in my life, and I couldn't imagine how much of the disappearing, especially if I was living by one and the ocean was in my backyard. I am glad we are coming up with solutions to protect them.
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