Humans have long been drawn to the coast. Shorelines provide access to food, transportation, inspiration, and opportunities for exploration. However, the desirability of coastal living leads to mounting pressure on the very resources that make it so attractive.  

Coastal resilience means building a community’s ability to “bounce back” after hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding. Escalating populations and development, erosion, more frequent flooding and sea level rise, storm impacts, and pollution are among the stressors on the resilience of our coastlines and coastal communities. Poor resilience leads to reductions in storm protection, economic sustainability and recovery, food and resource security, and healthy recreational opportunities. 

Coastal communities need to adapt and plan to preserve the way of life and the natural resources they value. As approximately 40% of the U.S. population inhabits coastal regions, we need to understand our impact on the coasts and how to better protect our communities. Informed students and citizens can mobilize and lead our country to more sustainable development and to long-term solutions for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of our coasts.