Flooding due to sea level rise is a big challenge, but there are solutions to keep coastal communities safe. Individuals, mayors, governors, and Congress can work together to build protections before flooding, build back stronger after flooding, and create plans that future-proof communities.
Individual
Individuals can take steps to protect their homes and property from flood damage and urge local officials to take action to keep their communities safe.
Local
Local officials can prioritize sea level rise and take action locally to protect the community, as well as coordinate with state and federal officials for practical solutions.
State & Federal
State and federal officials must help fund practical community solutions and incentivize smart planning in state and federal programs.
There are four actions that guide solutions
1
Proactive Protection
It’s important to protect coastal communities before major flooding damage happens, and not wait for a disaster to strike. This is also cheaper – every $1 spent on disaster mitigation saves $6 in disaster relief.1
2
Building Back Stronger
After flooding and natural disasters, communities need to be rebuilt stronger and more resilient so that they don’t face the same problem again and again.
3
Future-Proofing Communities
Setting more forward-thinking building codes, evaluating coastal development and planning infrastructure that can withstand higher seas can all help prepare communities for the future.
4
Conservative Planning
Taking a hard look at the risks of sea level rise and flooding and can help communities make realistic financial plans—just like how businesses hedge against risk.