Economic Analysis of Nature-Based Adaptation to Climate Change
This report analyzes economic impacts of sea level rise adaptation strategies in Ventura County, comparing coastal armoring and nature based approaches. It evaluates costs, benefits and ecosystem service impacts, helping decision makers identify effective, balanced responses to coastal hazards and climate change.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Climate adaptation
Introduction
This report evaluates the economic impacts of two adaptation strategies to address sea level rise in Ventura County, California, as part of The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience project. It compares a Coastal Armoring Adaptation strategy, which emphasizes engineered solutions such as seawalls and infrastructure protection, with a Nature Based Adaptation strategy that uses wetlands restoration, dunes, and managed retreat. Using economic analysis, the study assesses costs, benefits, and ecosystem service impacts over time. Both approaches include a mix of engineered and natural elements, but differ in emphasis. The findings highlight how nature based strategies can reduce coastal risk while maintaining ecosystem functions and delivering broader environmental and social benefits. This analysis supports decision makers in evaluating cost effective, sustainable adaptation options for managing climate change impacts along the coast.