The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Coastal States Organization held a briefing on science and policy initiatives that are helping protect West Coast ecosystems and communities from erosion, sea level rise, and other coastal hazards. The briefing showcased nature-based solutions, which can protect human lives and property while creating habitat for wildlife and supporting various coastal industries. These techniques can also be paired with traditional “gray” infrastructure to meet a greater variety of planning needs.

Dr. Patrick Barnard of the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California was one of four panelists at the briefing. Dr. Barnard outlined the climate-related challenges facing beaches and estuaries along the West Coast and discussed how the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) helps communities adapt to reduce risk to lives and property.

Watch the briefing titled, “Resilience along the West Coast: Scientific and Policy Innovations Strengthening Communities and the Environment.”