The Hurricane Season of 2005 has shown how vulnerable Gulf coastal
communities are to the devastating impacts of ever-stronger storms. We
have seen how the continued destruction of our natural barriers, such
as coastal wetlands and barrier islands, takes away nature’s ability to
reduce the strength and impact of hurricanes.
Our barrier islands, coastal wetlands and marshes must be protected and enhanced.
As impacted areas rebuild, decision-makers and planners must protect
and enhance the natural barriers that help protect our communities. It
is estimated that for every 3.4 miles of healthy coastal wetlands a
storm surge must travel over, the surge is diminished by one foot.
Coastal cypress swamps are thought to be even more effective in
minimizing storm surge. Additionally, levees fronted by wetlands and
coastal forests are thought to have held up far better than those
fronted by open-water.
This documentary short lays out the scientific and legal rationale for
oil and gas companies to put some of their record profits into fixing
their legacy of coastal destruction in Louisiana.
Created by filmmaker Walter Williams, this concise and compelling
film is worth watching by all who are concerned about the long-term
sustainability of New Orleans and Louisiana's coastal communities.
The Hurricane Season of 2005 has shown how vulnerable Gulf coastal
communities are to the devastating impacts of ever-stronger storms. We
have seen how the continued destruction of our natural barriers, such
as coastal wetlands and barrier islands, takes away nature’s ability to
reduce the strength and impact of hurricanes.
