Sandbagged: Exploring the Political Challenges of Coastal Infrastructure

Abstract

The political, technical, social, and economic challenges related to climate change are well documented. As policy makers are increasingly experiencing the reality of rising sea levels, they are also confronting a fragmented and sometimes fractured intergovernmental system. State and local governments face a delicate balancing act, especially, when it comes to infrastructure and climate change. They must respond to citizens, avoid losing their autonomy, maintain fiscal stability and health, provide a high quality of life, and ensure public safety. The reality of anthropogenic climate change has compounded many of these difficulties, perhaps, most acutely in America’s coastal states and communities. Recognizing these challenges, this article examines the challenges facing coastal communities as they seek to adapt to and build more resilient infrastructure that can mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels.