As reports of Antarctica’s temperatures rising to 70 degrees above normal made rounds worldwide, most of us probably thought of images of glaciers breaking and ice caps melting. Thankfully, that’s not entirely the case in Antarctica, as -11.7 degrees Celsius is still pretty cold. However, sea levels are still rising due to the continued rise of global temperatures brought by greenhouse gases and climate change. As a result, entire island nations and some coastal cities could be gone before 2050. So now, what are beachfront or coastal property owners supposed to do in these “end times”? Read on to find out.
Beachfront Property Owners and Climate Change Adaptation
- Be more hopeful and proactive.
It is important to be more proactive regardless of the circumstances. A change of attitude from helplessness to one of hope is essential to figure out the next steps in preparing any property for the ravaging effects of climate change. Coastal ecologists and psychologists have also said that empowerment is key for coastal communities. Members of a beachfront or coastal community, like in Anvaya Cove Bataan, can come together and form an association, sharing ideas and solutions.
- Look for simple solutions to cope with extreme weather.
Using rain gardens that can help gather excess water and setting up rain barrels to provide water in times of drought are simple yet effective ways of boosting a property’s resilience to extreme weather. Changing certain parts of a property that one can conveniently change with more eco-friendly materials is also helpful. For example, low-emission glass and low-emission coatings are popular innovations used in constructing houses and buildings. Such glass and coatings also help inhibit a notable amount of ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared (IR) light while allowing more visible light to pass through a building, structure, or space. Knowing how much UV and IR light goes through any property is important because of their effects on people and the environment. Also, be on the lookout for guides with different landscape templates and shoreline plants. Making a coastal property checklist to prepare people for sea-level rise and high tides will help others make more educated decisions and minimize damage.
- Work with the environment.
Plant more native plants and utilize more natural forms of fertilizer and ways of tending to the earth. Overwatering and overfertilizing can lead to excess amounts of nitrogen seeping into nearby water systems, poisoning an already depleting natural resource. Leaving plants and leaves to rot instead of cleaning them up right away can also help soil be replenished. Moreover, native coastal species tend to be most adaptable to local climate and weather extremes, even as they change.
- Beachfront property developers should integrate “shore protection” and “retreat” into their plans.
According to the 2030 Palette, in order to minimize hazards from sea-level rise and coastal flooding, beachfront or coastal properties have to involve the aspects of “shore protection” and “retreat. Shore protection involves shoreline armoring (specific structures or “armor” that prevent flooding and fix shoreline positions) and elevating land (raising land and structures to keep up with rising sea levels). Retreat involves plans for moving or removing property developments in case of immediate climate crises.
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