Will I have to make changes?
- In Q and A
Protecting and restoring Louisiana's coast cannot be done without cost and sacrifice. As individuals and as communities, we need to accept the fact that we all have a role in creating a new coast.
One of the most important changes we have to make is to realize that the wetlands' ability to protect against hurricanes, storm surge and eroding waves has been diminished after many decades of neglect. It will take not one, but many different lines of defense to keep our people and communities safe.
Homes may need to be elevated, evacuations will not be optional in nature, and large investments will need to be made in restoring marshland. We can either accept the big changes that will allow us to create a new, functioning coastline, or we can lose all that the coast provides.
Bold actions are going to be needed to restore our wetlands. These actions could include diverting the Mississippi River, building new levee and flood control structures and even possibly moving residences and businesses. Things will not remain the same as they have in years past. Things must not remain the same. Only bold action can determine our future as a coastal state.
