Overview:

Virginia Beach is at the forefront of the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the compounded threats of sea level rise, increased precipitation, and land subsidence. These factors contribute to the rising frequency and intensity of flooding events. With each storm and weather-related disaster, it becomes more apparent that immediate and sustained actions must be taken to address these threats. As climate change accelerates, Virginia Beach faces two primary challenges: adaptation and mitigation. Click here for LRNow’s comprehensive climate-driven flooding report!

Adaptation:

As a coastal region already grappling with increased flooding, Virginia Beach must take proactive steps to adapt to a future shaped by climate change. The city’s watersheds, which range from low-lying areas draining to the Atlantic Ocean to those connected to wind tides and storm surges, each present unique challenges. About 5% of the land area drains directly to the Atlantic Ocean, while the majority (62%) is found within the southern watersheds such as North Landing and Back Bay, which are impacted by wind tides from the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. Another 35% of that drains to the Chesapeake Bay and is impacted by lunar tides.

The varied nature of Virginia Beach’s watersheds means that different areas require tailored adaptation strategies:

• Improved Stormwater Management: Through innovative approaches to handling stormwater, we can reduce flooding risks and maintain healthy waterways.
• Strategic Development Decisions: By ensuring that development is carried out in ways that mitigate flood risks, the city can safeguard long-term resilience.
• Restoration of Wetlands and Oyster Reefs: These natural defenses can help buffer against storm surges and restore ecosystem balance.
• Protection and Expansion of Forests: Conserved forests are invaluable in combating both flooding and climate impacts.

Flood-control strategies that clean our waterways also serve to mitigate flooding. These include installing rain barrels, rain gardens, infiltration trenches, reducing impervious surfaces, planting trees, and installing vegetated roofs.

Mitigation:

Mitigation is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing climate change. It is crucial that individuals, cities, states, and nations act boldly to reduce emissions and limit further global warming. At Lynnhaven River NOW (LRNow), we are committed to working with members, residents, businesses, and faith communities to reduce energy use and carbon footprints. By providing financial support for energy audits and promoting sustainable energy practices, we can help reduce the collective impact of greenhouse gases.

One of our most effective tools in this battle is trees. Trees naturally absorb carbon and help manage stormwater. LRNow is actively promoting tree planting efforts and looking for opportunities to expand larger-scale forest restoration projects. In partnership with the Nature Conservancy and Virginia Tech University, we have studied the benefits of conserved and restored forest land in Virginia Beach and are planning strategic expansions to ensure these natural resources are protected.

Key Resources and Plans:

To address these challenges, the city of Virginia Beach has developed the Sea Level Wise plan, which combines years of work and policy recommendations into a comprehensive framework for addressing sea-level rise and flooding. This plan includes a combination of nature-based solutions (such as wetland restoration) and engineered infrastructure (like floodwalls and stormwater infrastructure improvements), all of which will be crucial in adapting to future conditions while preserving the city’s beautiful natural resources.

For broader regional collaboration, Old Dominion University, William & Mary, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have launched the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resilience. This collaborative effort brings together a variety of disciplines, including science, law, engineering, and social sciences, to address the multifaceted issue of flooding throughout the Commonwealth.

Additionally, Adapt VA, a project of the Commonwealth Center, provides a one-stop shop for homeowners, businesses, and residents to access evidence-based resources and tools to help them respond to changing climate conditions. This portal is an essential resource for anyone in coastal Virginia interested in practical solutions to climate challenges.

Looking Forward:

Adaptation and mitigation are not separate challenges but are interconnected. The need for immediate action is clear, but optimism lies in the collective efforts of individuals and communities who are willing to take action. As Paul Hawken aptly put it, “If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand the
data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth… and aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse.”

Through coordinated efforts, resourceful solutions, and community-wide commitment, we can rise to meet the challenges of climate change. Together, we can protect our natural environment, ensure the safety of our communities, and create a resilient future for Virginia Beach.