Not sure how to get started on a climate change adaptation plan? Have a look at what the San Francisco Bay area has drafted with their new “Climate Change Hits Home” report. The plan includes: Anticipated regional impacts Vulnerable areas and adaptation strategies (includes public safety and health, transportation, ecosystems and biodiversity, energy, water management, […]
Author Archive | Wesley Shaw
New Tool: Coastal CHARM
Posted on August 9, 2011
I saw this impressive tool demonstrated at the Gulf of Mexico Alliance meeting last week. Super excited about it, and very much looking forward to what John Jacob and his Texas Sea Grant/AgriLife Extension Service crew come up with next. Coastal CHARM (Community Health And Resource Management) You can read more about it on the […]
FEMA Study Finds National Floodplains Projected to Grow by 40-45%
Posted on July 27, 2011
As reported in the New York Times, last week (at the Coastal Zone conference in Chicago), FEMA shared some results from a pending study looking at the projected effects of climate change on the National Flood Insurance Program. The short version? It’s not looking pretty, and the challenges won’t be confined to coastal areas either. […]
Even With Money and Permits, Beach Nourishment Isn’t Always Possible
Posted on July 12, 2011
Interesting report from the Pilot Online about how the City of Virginia Beach has money it’s trying to give to the Army Corps of Engineers for a beach nourishment project—enough to pay for the whole nourishment—but the Corps (for legal reasons) can’t accept it. If your community is considering a nourishment project, this short article […]
NOAA Climate Program Office Funding Climate Adaptation Projects (LOI Due 26 July)
Posted on July 8, 2011
New NOAA funding opportunity (via Christa Rabenold): Climate and Societal Interactions Program The Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) Program provides leadership, both nationally and internationally, in developing interdisciplinary science and services, including assessments, for application in climate-sensitive sectors and regions. U.S. and internationally focused activities are housed within the same framework to facilitate cross-program community […]
East Coast Sea Level Rising Faster than it has in at Least 2,000 Years
Posted on June 24, 2011
This isn’t good news. According to a new study to be published online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week, sea level is rising faster along the U.S. East Coast than it has for at least 2,000 years. The study concludes that the ocean began rising an average of 2.1 millimeters […]
Proposed Extension to NFIP Would Add Wind Data, Not Wind Coverage
Posted on June 24, 2011
The US Senate is considering an extension to the NFIP that would add a provision wherein the government would assign a ratio of damage caused by water (covered by the NFIP) vs wind (generally covered by homeowner’s insurance). The Coastal Act would use data already gathered by NOAA and FEMA to determine the breakdown. You […]
Rolling Easements: Finally, a Long-Term Approach for Rising Seas and Coastal Erosion?
Posted on June 21, 2011
It’s not hard to get overwhelmed when considering your community’s current flood and erosion problems. Add in projections for what future climates will bring and it’s enough to make you want to just stay at home (at least until the sea comes into your home). Unfortunately, nobody has found a silver bullet to save coastal […]
EPA and NOAA Combine Forces to Protect Coastal People and Ecosystems
Posted on June 16, 2011
John Bowie just shared this good news over on StormSmart Connect: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have announced a joint agreement that will protect the safety, health, and property of people living in or visiting coastal communities around the nation. The two agencies will partner with local […]
How Residents Can Lower (or Keep) Homeowner’s Insurance
Posted on June 14, 2011
A good short article on Al.com on how building smarter can do more than just keep buildings safe, it can lower homeowner insurance premiums (to lower flood insurance rates, learn more about the Community Rating System). We’ve long been fans of freeboard, and have touted how much money it can save homeowners. What’s great about […]