Teaching about Risk and Resilience: Sea Level Rise, Flooding, and the City of Fort Lauderdale Nancy J. Gassman, Ph.D. Asst. Director Public Works Sustainability City of Fort Lauderdale Florida Center for Environmental Studies Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL May 14-16, 2014
Risk and Resilience Risk is the likelihood that we or our property will be harmed, and the consequences of that harm. Resilience is the ability to return to the status quo after a disturbing event. Because of Climate Change, our riskscape is evolving. We need to build capacity to avoid damage and/or recover from the disasters we can expect to face in the future.
Accepting Sea Level Rise Admit you have a problem A picture is worth 1,000 words Live it, learn it Address the problem with a solution
* Red represents areas below 5 feet (1.52 m) elevation. LAND ELEVATION MAP Low topography puts the majority of the city at risk to flooding from Sea level rise Storm surge Extreme rainfall Extreme high tides
Storm Surge >50 years since last major storm surge Sea level rise will increase impacts ↑ rainfall associated with storm will cause more flooding City Hall
Accepting Sea Level Rise Admit you have a problem A picture is worth 1,000 words Live it, learn it Address the problem with a solution
Photos taken by Paul Krashefski
Accepting Sea Level Rise Admit you have a problem A picture is worth 1,000 words Live it, learn it Address the problem with a solution
Recent Weather Extremes in Florida Boynton Beach – Jan 9-10, inches of rain 12 inches in 2 hours 1000 yr storm endtimeheadlines.wordpress.com Photo credit: Will Greenlee, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
Super Storm Sandy – Oct Super Storm Sandy brushes past S. Florida - October 26 th – 28 th Large breaking waves, beach erosion and coastal flooding Weakened natural and built armory
Oct 2012: Sandy -The Storm that never came ashore Photo by Susan Stocker, Sun-Sentinel Photo by Steve Lange, Sun-Sentinel
Seasonal High Tides – Nov Seasonal High Tides Low-pressure system brought strong winds, forceful swells and sustained high seas Roadway, seawall, sidewalk and signal mast arm destruction
Accepting Sea Level Rise Admit you have a problem A picture is worth 1,000 words Live it, learn it Address the problem with a solution
Vision Statement
Fort Lauderdale In Action Tidal Valves Neighborhood Projects River Oaks Stormwater Park Stormwater Planning Adaptation Action Areas (AAA) Pilot Project Super Storm Sandy – post disaster opportunity Environmental & Sustainability Management System
RECHARGE DRAINAGE WELL BIOSWALES TIDAL CONTROL VALVES EXFILTRATION TRENCH PERVIOUS PAVERS & PAVEDRAIN SEAWALL REPAIRS & UPGRADES STORMWATER PRESERVES PUMPING STATIONS Comprehensive Multi-year Stormwater Master Plan Improvement Features
Opportunities for Adaptation and Resilience Storm Impact Adds elevation and drains away from properties Anchors the knee wall
In the end, it doesn’t hurt to use humor South Florida
Adaptation Strategy Under Consideration in S. Florida