The future of coastal erosion

Guest Jane Willenbring is a geoscientist who studies accelerating coastal erosion. The challenge lies not in understanding why coasts are receding today, but in determining what they looked like a thousand years ago to know how much they’ve changed — a secret revealed in coastal rocks through isotopes shaped by cosmic radiation. But measurement is only one part of the equation, she says. We must now think about erosion’s impact on humans, Willenbring tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Chapter Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction by Jane Willenbring 
Jane Willenbring, a distinguished expert in coastal erosion and a professor at Stanford University, joins Russ Altman to explore "The Future of Coastal Erosion."

(00:01:42) Defining Coastal Erosion

Dr. Willenbring provides an overview of coastal erosion, explaining its causes and effects on coastlines around the world. She discusses the natural processes and human influences contributing to coastal landscape erosion.

(00:04:56) Challenges of Coastal Erosion

The conversation delves into the challenges of coastal erosion, including the impacts on infrastructure, property, and communities. Dr. Willenbring highlights the complexities of addressing erosion in different geographical regions and the importance of understanding erosion rates.

(00:06:44) Erosion Rates and Predictions

Dr. Willenbring discusses the methods used to measure erosion rates and predict future coastal changes. She explains how these predictions can guide policy and planning decisions to mitigate the impacts of erosion.

(00:10:49) Impacts on the Infrastructure 
Dr. Willenbring shared the impacts on the infrastructure and on the actual coast. Also shared all the different kinds of reasons to be concerned about the same.

(00:12:44) Interplay with Policy and Planning

The conversation shifts to the intersection of coastal erosion with policy and planning. Dr. Willenbring explores how episodic erosion events and long-term projections influence decision-making for infrastructure and land use.

(00:15:49) Building Bridges vs. Managed Retreat 
Exploration of options for addressing coastal erosion, such as building bridges.Consideration of the downsides of building bridges and hardening infrastructure. Examination of landscape "unzipping" and its implications for erosion.

(00:18:15) Sea Level Rise and Its Coastal Impact
Delve into the ways in which sea level rise affects coastlines and the Impact of flooding and potential changes in coastal shapes. Explore the significance of wide beaches in protecting coastlines.

(00:22:33) Displacement and Human Impacts 
Delve into the potential displacement caused by coastal erosion. Focus on the impact on low-income communities and indigenous villages. Reflection on the ethical considerations of policy responses.

(00:25:16) Health Implications and Infrastructure Challenges

Examining the potential health risks associated with coastal erosion.Consideration of compromised water treatment plants and their consequences.Discussion on the uncertainties and challenges of responding to erosion-related threats.

(00:26:34) Role of Vegetation in Coastal Defence

Explore the role of vegetation in protecting coastlines. Difference between invasive and native plants in coastal environments.Insights into the potential use of kelp for wave buffering.

(00:27:50) Human Activities and Cliff Stability

Examining the impact of human activities, such as irrigation, on cliff stability. Discussion on the potential consequences of excessive water use on erosion.

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