Louisiana coast in a Future without Action, Medium Scenario 
"Coastal Louisiana wetlands are one of the most critically threatened environments in the United States. These wetlands are in peril because Louisiana currently experiences greater coastal wetland loss than all other States in the contiguous United States combined." -U.S.G.S

PREPARE FOR A MORE DEVASTATING KATRINA.

​Louisiana loses 75 square kilometers annually. Since 2000, 1,000,000 acres of wetland have been lost. An area the size of Rhode Island will be eroded off the coast of Louisiana by 2050. As wetlands and natural barrier islands erode, nearby communities will simply suffer the negative consequences.. For every one-mile of wetlands that we lose, we face an average annual increase of $5,752,816 in property damage. Not only will we lose money, but, more importantly, we will lose our main protection from natural disasters.

Natural barriers of protection, such as barrier islands and wetlands, are our best defense against natural disasters and storm surge flooding. As we lose our protection around our coast, we lose access to effective  flood-prevention methods. In the absence of an efficient flood-prevention method, a future severe natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina will face no resistance while tearing apart New Orleans and its communities. 

Beginning in 2012, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has implemented a Master Plan. Ever 5-6 years, they come out with a new one; and, as of right now, they are currently implementing the $50 billion 2017 Master Plan. Although this plan has helped tremendously, in its current state, it will not be able to overcome the significant wetland loss that is happening. Consequently, the CPRA has reached out to the general public for project proposals. If you have a great idea, check the Professionals tab to learn what to do next. If we cannot discover a viable solution, Louisiana's economy and communities could be at severe risk.

UNDERSTANdinG EROSION: A BRIEF INFOGRAPHIC

WE LOUISIANIANS ARE SURROUNDED BY WATER...
Portrayed Louisiana Land v. Actual Louisiana Land
​(map on right includes solid land and excludes marshes, swamps, and wetlands)
Image Credit: The New Yorker, "Louisiana's Disappearing Coast"
...AND THIS WATER OFTEN ENCROACHES...
Katrina, Gustav, Ike, and Isaac
Image Credit: Nasa.gov and Weather.gov
...TO DEVASTATING EFFECT.
COASTAL EROSION...
  • Since 2000, approximately 1,000,000 acres of wetlands have been lost since the turn of the century, and we continue to lose 25-35 square miles of wetlands each year
  • Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources claims that at current rates, nearly 640,000 more acres, an area nearly the size of Rhode Island, will be under water by 2050
...IS DESTROYING ONE OF OUR BEST DEFENSES AGAINST STORMS...
"Wetlands and barrier islands provide protection from the strong winds and storm surges of hurricanes. It is estimated that every 2.7 miles of wetlands reduces a storm surge by one foot. As erosion continues, and wetlands turn to open water, their ability to decrease approaching storm surges decreases and the risk of catastrophic loss of life and property from hurricanes is greatly increased. Data from past hurricanes indicates that the loss of every one-mile strip of wetlands along the coast, results in an estimated $5,752,816 average annual increase in property damage." - southeastern.edu
AND IS THREATENING LOUISIANIAN HOMES, JOBS, AND LIVES.
  • Between 60 and 70% of Louisiana’s population, over 2 million people, live within 50 miles of the coast
  • Over $103 billion in assets regarding Oil & Gas Infrastructure will be at risk
  • The estimated value of coastal wetlands in the state is between $86,040/acre/year - $143,400/acre/year 
  • Louisiana plays a vital role in the economic infrastructure of America, with our ports carrying 20 percent of all US waterborne commerce, providing 26 percent (by weight) of commercial fisheries landings, and supplying 18 percent of our nation’s oil
  • 5,000 full-time jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $250 million could be at risk
  • Studies show that by 2050, the annual loss in commercial fisheries due to eroding wetlands will be nearly $550 million
IF NOTHING IS DONE... 
...AND WE CONTINUE TO IGNORE THE SEVERITY OF THE ISSUE... ​
WE WILL PAY THE PRICE.