Preserving the Resource Base and Developing a Sustainable Coastal Economy for North Carolina's Coastal System in the 21st Century

Within the Kenan Institute?s four strategic focus areas, the ?High Technology Basic Research? component has a subcomponent titled ?Energy and Environmental Issues.? This subcomponent states that ?the most critical global challenge for the 21st Century is maintaining a healthy, productive environment that will continue to support life in the face of an increasing world population, energy shortages, shrinking freshwater supplies, destruction of natural habitats, and declining genetic diversity. Integrating all we know?from scientific, economic, social, and spiritual perspectives?is key to understanding and resolving these issues? (2007-2010 Compact Plan, 6-20-2007). This proposal addresses the ?most critical global challenge for the 21st Century,? which is being strongly contested in the coastal systems of North Carolina.

Scholars @ ECU