Climate change is a global phenomenon with local impacts. As a real estate developer operating in St. Petersburg, Florida, we are all too aware of the challenges posed by rising sea levels in this beautiful coastal city. Nestled on the Pinellas Peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, which threatens its property market, economy, and way of life.
According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels are expected to rise by one to four feet by the end of the century. This puts coastal communities like St. Petersburg at risk of increased flooding, saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources, and damage to infrastructure. The city has already experienced an increase in nuisance flooding, which disrupts daily life and can lead to road closures, property damage, and declining property values. As a real estate developer, we have a responsibility to adapt to these challenges and build resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of sea-level rise.
Adapting to Sea Level Rise
Adapting to sea-level rise involves a combination of strategies, including protecting existing infrastructure, accommodating the impacts of sea-level rise, and retreating from vulnerable areas. Here are some ways we are rising to the challenge:
- Elevating Buildings and Infrastructure: One of the most straightforward ways to adapt to sea-level rise is to elevate buildings and infrastructure. This includes raising buildings on pilings or platforms and elevating critical infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public facilities. In new developments, we are designing buildings and infrastructure to be elevated above the projected sea-level rise for the life of the project.
- Incorporating Natural Defenses: Nature-based solutions, such as living shorelines, dunes, and wetlands, can provide a buffer against storm surges and help reduce erosion. These natural defenses can be incorporated into the design of new developments and used to protect existing infrastructure. For example, we are working on a project that incorporates a living shoreline with native vegetation and oyster reefs to protect against erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Implementing Green Infrastructure: Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens, can help manage stormwater and reduce flooding. These features can be incorporated into the design of new developments and retrofitted into existing buildings and infrastructure. We have implemented green infrastructure in several of our projects, including a mixed-use development in downtown St. Petersburg that features green roofs and permeable pavements.
- Investing in Resilient Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, transportation networks, and energy systems, must be designed to withstand the impacts of sea-level rise. This may involve elevating infrastructure, hardening facilities against flooding, and investing in backup systems. We are working with local governments and utility providers to ensure that the infrastructure serving our developments is resilient to sea-level rise.
- Planning for Retreat: In some cases, it may not be feasible or cost-effective to protect or accommodate development in vulnerable areas. In these cases, a planned retreat may be the best option. This involves relocating structures and infrastructure away from vulnerable areas and restoring natural habitats. While this is a last resort, it is an important strategy to consider in the face of rising sea levels.
Building Resilient Communities
Adapting to sea-level rise is not just about protecting individual buildings or infrastructure; it is about building resilient communities. This involves a comprehensive approach that considers the social, economic, and environmental impacts of sea-level rise. Here are some ways we are working to build resilient communities:
1. Engaging the community: Community engagement is a critical component of building resilience. We work closely with local communities to understand their concerns and priorities and incorporate their feedback into our projects. This includes holding public meetings, conducting surveys, and working with community organizations.
2. Promoting Smart Growth: Smart growth involves creating compact, walkable communities with a mix of uses and a range of housing options. This helps reduce the need for car travel, promote public transportation, and create more livable communities. We are committed to smart growth principles in all of our developments.
3. Investing in Affordable Housing: Rising sea levels and increased flooding can lead to rising property values and the displacement of vulnerable populations. We are committed to providing affordable housing options in our developments to ensure that all residents can afford to live in resilient communities.
4. Fostering Economic Resilience: A resilient community is one that can bounce back quickly from the impacts of sea-level rise. This includes having a diversified economy, a skilled workforce, and access to critical services. We are investing in economic development initiatives, workforce training programs, and public facilities to foster economic resilience in the communities where we operate.
5. Collaborating with Partners: Building resilient communities is a collaborative effort that involves local governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and residents. We are working closely with our partners to coordinate efforts, leverage resources, and share best practices.
Rising to the challenge of sea-level rise in St. Petersburg requires a comprehensive approach that includes protecting existing infrastructure, accommodating the impacts of sea-level rise, and planning for retreat. It also involves building resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of sea-level rise and thrive in the face of adversity. As a real estate developer, we are committed to rising to the challenge and building a resilient and sustainable future for St. Petersburg.
