IMS | CCCR

Coastal risks are growing rapidly from climate change and development. The costs of natural disasters are rising dramatically. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) play a critical role in reducing the economic and social costs of climate change. CCCR researchers focus on a wide variety of Nature-based Solutions. In our work, we Assess Risks, Value Nature’s Benefits in reducing these risks, and use these measures to Identify Incentives to invest in these habitats to benefit People and Nature. Our work has shown that natural systems – like wetlands (such as salt & freshwater marshes, mangroves) and reefs (such as rocky reefs, oyster reefs, coral reefs) – act as vital first lines of defense against flooding and erosion provide measurable social and economic benefits.

The communities that have contributed the least to climate change are often those that are impacted the most. They also traditionally have limited access to resources for reducing these impacts. Through ongoing engagement and new initiatives, we work with communities to understand the climate risks they face and help to secure the resources they need to adapt to these changes and reduce their risk. Together, we respect the value of nature a s part of the solution to reducing the impacts of climate change.

Innovative communication is key to helping the community, stakeholders and decision-makers understand the growing scope of climate risks and, more importantly, the solutions that can help address them. However, communicating findings from climate research with non-scientific audiences can often be challenging. Center researchers are tackling this problem from a variety of angles, like using art visualizations to build immersive experiences, and collaborating with policy makers and community members on more effective engagement and communication strategies.

Climate Vulnerability: Community-Engaged Climate Adaptation Solutions

Nature-Based Solutions

Innovative Communications for Risks & Solutions

EcoViz Lab

Wetland Restoration as a Multi-Benefit Nature-Based Solution

Playful Interventions for Bottom-up Community Empowerment

Coordinated Fire Management for Resilient Coastal Prairies

Evolutionary resilience in kelp for climate adaptation

The Probability Engine