nichi.11-12-13.bostonharbor.juliewormser
DESCRIPTION
Boston Harbor, Julie Wormser, Executive Director, The Boston Harbor Association, Co-Author, Preparing for the Rising Tide; National Institute for Coastal & Harbor Infrastructure, John F. Kennedy Center, Boston, Nov. 12, 2013: "The Triple Threat of Rising Sea Levels, Extreme Storms and Aging Infrastructure: Coastal Community Responses and The Federal Role"TRANSCRIPT
Preparing For The Rising Tide
Project Team: Ellen Douglas, Paul Kirshen, Vivien Li, Chris Watson, Julie Wormser
Preparing ForThe Rising Tide
• Maps Boston’s vulnerability to coastal flooding
• Encourages public and private property owners to know and decrease their risks
• Provides case studies with vulnerability assessments and preparedness plans.
Superstorm Sandy
Rt.12Outer Banks
Photo: Reuters
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Lower Manhattan
Breezy Point
Boston’s Waterfront,
October 29, 2012
Why Coastal Flooding Happens
• “Wicked high tides” during full & new moons and/or
• Storm surges and/or• Sea level rise
Boston
New York
Boston
New York
100 500 10000
5
10
15
100-, 500- and 1,000-year Surges
New York City + Boston Harbor
New York CityBoston Harbor
Probability of Storm Surge (years)
Sto
rm S
urg
e (
feet)
• Used range of “likely” to “possible” estimated sea level rise for planning
• 2050: 1-2 ft. increase• 2100: 3-6 ft. increase• Estimates keep going up,
not down.
Projected Sea Level Rise
Source: IPCC September 2013
Today’s High
Tide + 2.5 ft.
Could flood nearly 7% of Boston
Current100-Year
Flood
Annual Flood
by 2050
Daily HighTide by 2100
Today’s High Tide + 5.0
ft.
What Floods at High Tide+5?
Could Flood Over
30%of Boston
100-Year Flood
around 2050
Annual Flood by
2100
Today’s High Tide + 7.5
ft.
What Floods at High Tide + 7.5?
Boston Since Sandy
Municipal Actions:Climate Ready
Boston• Completed municipal
vulnerability assessment;• Preparing project review
guidelines for new developments;
• Developing wetlands ordinance;• Distributed homeowner flood
protection information;• 2014 updated Climate Action
Plan will focus on preparedness.
Private Sector Actions
• Need to develop vulnerability assessments and time-phased preparedness plans.
• Need to incorporate these plans into regular maintenance schedules.
• Need to work with public agencies and utilities to protect infrastructure.
What is vulnerable now?
When will there be flooding?
“Living With Water”
• Favor “resilience” over “resistance” where possible.
• Elevate vulnerable resources, pair with floodable areas.
• Favor flood control solutions that enhance livability.
Mechanical, electrical and emergency services on roof out of harm’s way
Operable windows keyed open in event of systems failure
Critical patient programs above ground floor
Key floors above 2085 High Estimate 100 Year Flood
Spaulding Rehab Hospital
Living With Water: Seoul, South Korea
Cheong Gye Cheon Channel
Living With Water: Seoul, South Korea
Han River
More Ideas
Summary of Findings
• Today’s 100-year flood could be 2050’s annual flood and 2100’s high tide.
• Property owners need to develop time-phased preparedness plans
• Policy makers need to help property owners overcome barriers, help when private action is insufficient.
