As the world grapples with the relentless march of climate change, one thing has become painfully clear – the need for robust, adaptable environmental services has never been greater. Inland Waters Inc. has been at the forefront of this battle, providing innovative solutions to communities facing the ever-evolving challenges of our time.
Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Coastal Resilience
If you had told me a decade ago that I’d be spending my days elbow-deep in coastal resilience projects, I would have thought you were pulling my leg. But here I am, coordinating with a veritable armada of government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders to ensure our coastal regions can weather the storms of the future.
It all started when I attended a meeting of the New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (NHCAW) – a collaboration of over 35 organizations, including the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). As they laid out the daunting realities of sea-level rise, coastal storms, and extreme precipitation, I felt a growing sense of unease. These weren’t just hypothetical scenarios; they were already playing out in our backyards.
The NHDES Coastal Program had been working tirelessly to assist state and local decision-makers with adaptation and resilience planning, but the tide of change was relentless. In 2019, they convened a Science and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) Steering Committee to update the state’s coastal flood risk projections and guidance. The resulting New Hampshire Coastal Flood Risk Summary painted a sobering picture – one of rising seas, intensifying storms, and the need for immediate action.
Empowering Communities to Ride the Waves of Change
As I delved deeper into the challenges facing our coastal communities, I realized that Inland Waters Inc. had a vital role to play. Our expertise in water treatment, environmental remediation, and infrastructure resilience could be the lifeline these towns and cities needed.
Take the town of Hampton, for example. The NHDES Coastal Program had been working closely with the Hampton Coastal Hazards and Adaptation Team (CHAT) to integrate future coastal flood risks into their municipal master plan. But they needed more than just a plan – they needed practical solutions.
That’s where Inland Waters came in. We partnered with the CHAT to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the town’s vulnerabilities, from its critical infrastructure to its natural habitats. Armed with this data, we were able to develop a tailored resilience strategy that addressed everything from stormwater management to coastal restoration.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. By investing in green infrastructure like living shorelines and permeable pavement, Hampton was able to reduce the impact of coastal flooding on its roads, buildings, and utilities. And by working with the NHDES Coastal Program and the Seabrook Hamptons Estuary Alliance, the town was able to secure funding for these crucial projects.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Solutions
Of course, Hampton’s story is just one example of the work Inland Waters has been doing across the region. From Durham to North Hampton, we’ve been collaborating with municipal leaders, regional planning commissions, and state agencies to ensure that our coastal communities are resilient and ready.
But the challenges we face extend far beyond the shoreline. As the District of Columbia’s Climate Ready DC program has shown, the impacts of climate change can be felt in myriad ways – from record-breaking heat waves to increasingly severe storms.
That’s why Inland Waters has been working to develop holistic, integrated solutions that address the full spectrum of environmental risks. Our expertise in water treatment, stormwater management, and energy-efficient infrastructure has proven invaluable as communities grapple with the cascading effects of climate change.
Embracing the Uncertainty and Complexity of the Future
Of course, the path forward is not without its challenges. As the NHDES Coastal Program has emphasized, the science and understanding of coastal hazards is constantly evolving. What we thought we knew even a few years ago may no longer apply, and the need for regular updates and adaptations is paramount.
But that’s the nature of the game we’re playing. As the tides of change continue to rise, we must be willing to embrace the uncertainty and complexity of the future. Initiatives like the Picturing Rising Tides event are a testament to this spirit of exploration and adaptability, encouraging community members to bear witness to the changes unfolding before their eyes.
And as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters, one thing is clear: the need for environmental services that are agile, innovative, and responsive has never been greater. At Inland Waters Inc., we’re proud to be at the forefront of this crucial effort, working tirelessly to ensure that our communities can not only survive the tides of change, but thrive in the face of them.
The Future is Ours to Shape
As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken so far, I can’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. The challenges we face are daunting, to be sure, but the resilience and ingenuity of our communities give me hope.
With the right tools, the right partnerships, and the right mindset, I believe we can turn the tide on climate change and create a future that is more sustainable, more resilient, and more just for all. It won’t be easy, and there will be setbacks along the way, but if we stay true to our mission and continue to adapt and innovate, I know that we can weather any storm that comes our way.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. The future is ours to shape, and together, we can build a world that is better prepared, better protected, and better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.
