Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Coastal communities worldwide are grappling with the escalating impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding, necessitating action for coastline adaptation. Coastal communities are under pressure to conduct comprehensive coastal vulnerability assessments to identify areas at high risk and to explore effective flood mitigation strategies. Phippsburg, Maine, like many other coastal communities, has endured increasing critical damage to their coastal infrastructure and shoreline due to SLR, particularly in the recent and record-breaking winter storm surge of January 2024. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of green infrastructure as a key strategy for mitigating coastal hazards in the Small Point community, located within Phippsburg. In this study we conduct an exploratory review of green infrastructure projects, and analyze community-based resilience for Phippsburg, ME. Our central research question asks: given the environmental challenges of rising sea levels, what nature-based resources might be implemented in Small Point, Maine to reduce flooding vulnerability and increase future resilience? Through a mixed methods investigation relying on observation, interviews and comparison with existing projects, we identify marsh reinforcement and living shorelines as the most suitable green infrastructure intervention for Small Point.

Level of Access

Restricted: Archival Copy [No Access]

First Advisor

Jamie Haverkamp

Date of Graduation

5-2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

93

Components of Thesis

1 pdf file

Community Engagement

1

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