Natural Defenses from Hurricanes and Floods

• Patty Glick and John Kostyack (National Wildlife Federation); James Pittman, Tania Briceno, and Nora Wahlund (Earth Economics)
• Oct 21, 2014

Protecting America’s Communities and Ecosystems in an Era of Extreme Weather

This report addresses the mounting risks of flooding and hurricanes to U.S. communities and how natural systems can help reduce risks from these natural hazards. A collaboration of National Wildlife Federation, Allied World Assurance Company, and Earth Economics, this publication considers whether federal, state, and local officials are using the policy tools at their disposal to protect people and property endangered from these growing threats. The report profiles how natural and nature-based approaches, such as restoration of wetlands, dunes, riparian areas and living shorelines, can be cost-effective and wildlife-friendly means of making coastal and riverine communities safer and more resilient to floods and hurricanes.