Riding the Storm: How Nature-based Solutions Can Help Tackle Flooding in Southwest Florida

Abstract

Abstract:Florida grapples with mounting challenges related to inland flooding due to heavy precipitation, along with coastal flooding from rising sea levels and coastal storms. One important approach to address precipitation-originating flooding is to embrace land use practices runoff management in the upstream portions of at-risk watersheds, where sustainable design can relieve the pressures on drainage systems from continuing dense urban development in the low-lying Florida landscape. Dr L Donald Duke, from The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, plays a pivotal role in this endeavour. His work encompasses creating and evaluating flood-resilient land use practices and planning to manage stormwater runoff on the watershed scale.