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A new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides insight into how to do that, showing that natural infrastructure can save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in climate adaptation costs, while delivering the same or better outcomes as traditional, hardened infrastructure. The post Natural infrastructure can address growing climate impacts and save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in the process first appeared on Growing Returns.

Many have established Chief Resilience Officers to provide coordinated statewide leadership to reduce risks, protect communities, and the environment.

This report is the result of an EDF-led collaboration that included active CROs as well as officials from states that have been exploring creating a CRO. In addition to recommendations for establishing and supporting these positions, the roadmap outlines how the role of CRO originated and how states have established these positions over time.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just released their “International Guidelines on the use of Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) for Flood Risk Management.” Here’s why that’s a big deal. The post New Army Corps guidelines will expand natural infrastructure to reduce flood risk and more first appeared on Growing Returns.

Here's how Virginia can make flood resilience a reality. The post 3 ways Virginia can continue to advance flood resilience statewide first appeared on Growing Returns.

This report was prepared to assist Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in providing recommendations to FEMA about how a new loan program resulting from the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act can be structured to encourage nature-based solutions.

How policymakers and coastal planners can expand access to flood protection and achieve more equitable results for coastal communities. The post 5 ways federal policymakers can bring equity into flood risk reduction first appeared on Growing Returns.

As the biosphere continues to warm and the ocean acidifies, solving the global carbon problem becomes more critical each day. Keeping temperatures to survivable levels requires reducing emissions while at the same time working aggressively to absorb as much carbon dioxide as possible, using approaches that can nurture natural ecosystems and help vulnerable human communities …

Letter to OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young for advancing equity and support for underserved communities.

Letter to Administrator Criswell on opportunities to increase equity in flood resilience. 

Stakeholder presentation for National Academy of Sciences grant to examine and address the vulnerability of petrochemical facilities along Galveston Bay to flood-induced chemical spills and releases.

Press release announcing the release of "Keeping Florida, Florida" video series highlighting climate and coastal resilience opportunities in Florida.

The Atlantic hurricane season is underway as many coastal areas still recover from an endless barrage of storms last year that culminated in the most active hurricane season on record. With climate change, we can expect to see more intense hurricanes, leaving many communities at risk.  In fact, a new report indicates that as many as 32 million U.S. homes and $8.5 …

Climate change is making hurricanes stronger, wetter, and more likely to intensify rapidly. Learn how we can combat this with wetland restoration here.

EDF Statement by Elizabeth Gore on introduction of RISEE Act in June 2021.

Here’s how VA is tackling its flood risk problem with thoughtful planning and long-term funding. The post Virginia is taking bold climate action to address flood risk across the state first appeared on Growing Returns.

The plan provides a framework that will help the state move quickly toward a more resilient future.

Nature-based solutions are sometimes the most cost-effective flood mitigation options at our disposal.

Revitalizing our economy must include building long-term resilience to climate change, sea level rise and hurricanes. The post Largest ecosystem restoration project in U.S. history provides model for climate adaptation first appeared on Growing Returns.

As North Carolina continues to recover from a string of flooding and storm disasters, legislative leaders have recognized the opportunity for the state to not just recover from recent storms but to rebuild better before the next disaster. This week, Environmental Defense Fund released a white paper [PDF] recommending four specific policy actions that would …

It's time for North Carolina to lead on climate mitigation and resilience to protect the state's residents, economy and ecosystems. This EDF report outlines four resilient policy proposals.

By proactively investing in natural infrastructure and conservation priorities, Congress can begin to build protections for the coastal ecosystems that help protect communities, while creating jobs and reducing the costs of future disasters. The post 3 actions Congress can take now to build more resilient coasts first appeared on Growing Returns.

A new report released this week by AECOM, the world’s premiere infrastructure firm, and Rebuild by Design, a community-focused organization advocating for resilient infrastructure, offers hope for recovery for the Empire State as it demonstrates how investments in the environment can help New York not only build lasting climate resilience but also create jobs at a time when they are desperately needed. The post New York’s environmental bond can deliver lasting resilience and create jobs first appeared on Growing Returns.

Florida can establish a meaningful and unified resilience effort that creates a safer, more prosperous and equitable future for all communities.

EDF report showcases the projected costs of climate hazards across eight key sectors of North Carolina’s economy over the next 20 to 30 years.