Numerous organizations are developing and applying innovative approaches to ensure that coastal communities are equipped to “ bounce back” after extreme events such as hurricanes, downpours, and flooding and to adapt to progressive climate changes and their impacts. Collaborative teams that integrate environmental, engineering, and social issues within coherent physical geographic zones are essential to support planning and implementation of new technologies. Effective plans consider information needs, land use, and the impact of natural hazards on their communities and communicate new understandings to policy makers and stakeholders. Organizations such as the United Nation’s Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ensure that collaboration is conducted via a structured process. Modern strategies that improve a coastal region’s resilience rely on objective data and the involvement of government, universities, and policy makers and stakeholders. In the United States, fully integrated and operational sensor networks include 11 regional associations that comprise the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). These IOOS networks provide users with access to historical data, imagery, model output and real-time data. For example, the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) footprint covers the coastal states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. GCOOS is especially important since the Florida peninsula has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state since the inception of the Saffir/Simpson scale in 1851. Actionable information from networked observatories such as GCOOS improves coastal resilience. Evolving citizen science capabilities are being enhanced through the implementation of sensor networks that provide objective data to monitor impacts of phenomena such as sea level rise which is evidenced by recurring flooding.

Historical information on flooding, erosion, inundation, and extreme weather events which affects hundreds of millions of vulnerable people can be obtained from national data centers. Imagery is especially effective to outline changes that occurring along the coast, especially following episodic events. Recently, automated meteorological, oceanographic, and environmental monitoring stations designed to observe mesoscale phenomena have been implemented to help protect property and save lives, worldwide. These networks often include unmanned vehicles and numerical models, which help provide spatially extensive data products. Social media such as tweets have provided vital information to notify first responders and scientists to assess hazards such as earthquakes. Researchers from citizen scientists to university professors and federal officials have also recognized the importance of ecosystem protection and restoration, specifically for hazard mitigation and risk reduction.

The potential for natural hazards and vulnerability to these threats varies from community to community. Adaptation will require ongoing monitoring of the natural and built-up environments and the development of policies, structures, and approaches to ensure resilient communities. Resilient approaches involve assessing risk and vulnerability, identifying solutions to reduce risks, implementing viable solutions, and assessment. Owing to past damages from extreme weather, countries around the world are making significant investments in coastal infrastructure that will reduce risks from disasters that are exacerbated by climatic changes.

Book Information
ISBN 9783031681523
Author C. Reid Nichols
Format Hardback
Page Count 100
Imprint Springer International Publishing AG
Publisher Springer International Publishing AG