Investments in coastal gray infrastructure such as roads and bridges far outstrip the funding for green infrastructure such as wetlands and reefs, but a more balanced investment portfolio could prevent billions of dollars of storm damage, according to a study.
TNC scientists assess how much money is invested in varying types of coastal green infrastructure and found that we spend 30 times more on gray infrastructure than on conservation. Imagine if we invested just one tenth of the infrastructure funds on conservation and restoration.
Join us on a journey through Washington’s ecosystems, to find out how climate-change impacts each individually — as well as comprehensively. By understanding how our landscapes, neighborhoods and climate are all connected, we can better forge our own connections to adapt together.
Washington has more than 2,300 miles of coastline that sustain communities, livelihoods, recreation and diverse ecosystems. Though robust, our coasts are especially vulnerable to climate-change impacts, including flooding, sea-level rise, increased erosion and others.
The Virginian Pilot highlights the work that TNC and partners’ have been engaging in to model both the historic trends of and future projections for the eastern shore barrier islands.