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Increasing the resilience of human and natural communities to coastal hazards: Supporting decisions in New York and Connecticut

Case Study

New York

Publication date: December 20, 2012

File format: PDF

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This study presents the Coastal Resilience framework, combining GIS data, ecological systems, and socioeconomic information to assess coastal hazard risks and sea level rise impacts. It highlights decision support tools that help communities in Long Island Sound plan adaptation strategies and reduce vulnerability to storms and flooding.

Subject Tags

  • Climate resilience
  • Coastal
  • Climate mitigation

Abstract

This study introduces the Coastal Resilience framework, an ecosystem-based approach that integrates ecological, social, and economic data to assess coastal hazard risks and climate change impacts. Using GIS and interactive mapping tools, it enables decision-makers to visualize current and future scenarios of storm surge and sea level rise. The approach combines elevation data, socioeconomic indicators, and ecosystem information—such as wetlands and habitat distribution—to evaluate vulnerability across communities. By linking hazard exposure with social and economic risk, the framework helps identify adaptation strategies that reduce impacts to infrastructure, ecosystems, and populations. Applied in Long Island Sound, the study demonstrates how decision support tools can guide land-use planning, conservation, and hazard mitigation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of ecosystem-based solutions, such as protecting wetlands, to enhance coastal resilience and support sustainable community development.

Citation

Beck, M. W., Gilmer, B., Whelchel, A. W., Ferdaña, Z., Stone, J., Raber, G., ... & Newkirk, S. (2013). Using interactive decision support to integrate coast hazard mitigation and ecosystem services in Long Island Sound, New York and Connecticut USA. Linkages between ecosystems, livelihoods and disaster risk reduction. PEDRR, UNU Press, Bonn, 140-163.

TNC Authors

  • Ben Gilmer
    Director, Large Scale Fisheries. Provide Food and Water
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: ben.gilmer@tnc.org

  • Zach Ferdana
    Director, Conservation & Geospatial Systems. Information Technology
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: zferdana@tnc.org

  • Christine C. Shepard
    Director of Science. Florida
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: cshepard@tnc.org

  • Michael W. Beck
    The Nature Conservancy