Tag Archives | adaptation & mitigation

Funding for "Climate Change Mitigation" Available

New funding opportunity. From their press release: EDA Offers Grants through Climate Change Mitigation Fund The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) advances economic growth by assisting communities experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts increased private capital investment. EDA […]

FEMA Releases Guidance for 2011 Mitigation Grant Programs

Via the always useful CZMA Climate Change and Coastal Hazards E-News Update newsletter: The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Guidance” (176 pp.) represents the unification of all five of the agency’s hazard mitigation grant programs into one guidance document. These programs, which provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce […]

3ft of Freeboard? I'll Take 12ft!

After Hurricane Ike bashed a hole in their roof and left their first floor uninhabitable, FEMA experts recommended that Galveston (TX) residents Matt and Lauren Johnson elevate their home 3′ above the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Johnsons went for 12′ instead. “Even if it costs us more now, whatever costs […]

Editorial Advises Better Planning and Building, NOT the Ike Dike

A new Houston Chronicle article argues that building the so-called “Ike Dike” will put more, not less people and property at great risk, and that the best way to protect property from hazards is to keep them out of hazardous areas. In “Forget the Ike Dike, let’s improve building methods” Texas A&M professor John Jacob […]

South Shore Searches for Seawall Repair Funds

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that South Shore communities are struggling to find money to repair aging seawalls in the absence of steady maintenance funding. After the catastrophic failure of the seawall in Marshfield’s Fieldston neighborhood this week, local officials are working to patch together resources from many sources for repairs not just there, but […]

Texas Town Tightens Development Rules

The City Council of Galveston, Texas recently approved new beach-front construction regulations.  The new rules push new development 75 feet back from the north toe of dunes, or 350 feet from the mean high-water line, whichever line is farther landward.  They are seen locally as a compromise with some wanting stricter regulations while others did […]

Massachusetts CZM Launches New Coastal Landscaping Website

We all know that plants can help slow erosion and decrease storm damage while making your property look great. Unfortunately, finding plants that can survive the harsh coastal climate can be tricky — figuring out where and how to plant them and how to keep them alive can be even trickier. Luckily, the Massachusetts Office […]

Study Finds Northeast Getting Fiercer Rainstorms

A new study is reporting that that precipitation in the northeastern portion of the United States has seen an increase in heavy rain events over the past 50 years. The report, authored by the Clean Air-Cool Planet and the University of New Hampshire’s Carbon Solutions New England group, is based on an examination of National […]

With Crumbling Seawalls and Limited Resources, France Struggles with Storms

The Associated Press is reporting on the aftermath of Xynthia, the storm that slammed into Europe last weekend. The hurricane-force winds and huge storm surge destroyed seawalls and killed dozens there. The article focuses on the past, present, and future challenges of devastated historic towns along the French coast. New homes have cropped up chaotically […]

Small-Town Cape Cod Also Losing Beaches VIDEO

Like California, eroding beaches on Cape Cod are threatening utilities, roads, and homes. (click on picture to watch video on NECN’s site). Erosion Concerns on Cape Cod (via NECN)