North Carolina coastal hazards: Economic implications of severe storms and sea-level rise
Grant
Overview
abstract
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We live in one of the most disaster-prone states in the nation. We cannot stop natural disasters from occurring but, as post-Katrina events have demonstrated, we must develop wisely to minimize risks and have in place a realistic post-disaster recovery plan. Such a plan must be informed by an understanding of the both the natural and socio-economic environments and their likely response to disastrous storms or an increased rate of sea-level rise. Plans for future economic growth must consider the preservation of our current economic infrastructure. The primary objective of this proposal is to examine the vulnerability of the natural resources and human infrastructure of coastal North Carolina to severe storms and sea-level rise and to determine the economic implications. This research and outreach will provide the critical marriage of natural and social sciences and will communicate insights to the public, elected officials and coastal managers. The proposed research involves 17 researchers from nine disciplines and five UNC universities/institutions. The project is classifiable in the Marine Sciences category of the RFP (it clearly also has Environmental Science components). It complements and expands upon existing research, and it capitalizes on previous large research program successes funded by sources outside the UNC system. The deliverables of this project will be useful for the private sector, including coastal insurance entities and real estate investment and development groups as well as county and state managers. But the relevance of this work is more profound as it contributes to the sustainable economic development of all coastal industries (tourism, recreation, fisheries, agriculture, silviculture, military bases, etc.).
date/time interval
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