Study looks at how natural habitats protect coastlines from storm damage

Nature : Because of extreme weather and sea-level rise, areas along the coastal US are suffering more and more damage. According to a recent study published in Nature Climate Change, the damage can be mitigated by maintaining the regions’ existing natural habitats, such as coral reefs, dunes, and marshes. By trapping sediment and dissipating ocean wave energy, such natural features prevent the shoreline from eroding. After identifying nine distinct habitats, the researchers created a hazard model that takes into account ecosystem data, various climate scenarios, and socioeconomic data, including population and property values. With that information, they calculated the hazard index of each square kilometer of US coastline, identified the most vulnerable people and property, and determined which coastal communities would be best protected by conservation and restoration of reefs and vegetation.