Climate and Environmental Challenges

History of the Challenge

New Orleans’ location—between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, mostly below sea level—has always made it vulnerable to flooding and hurricanes. The city was founded in 1718 by the French and was built on swampy land that required extensive levees, canals, and drainage systems to make it habitable. However, as development expanded, natural barriers like wetlands were removed, making the city more exposed to environmental disasters.

Major environmental threats intensified in the 20th and 21st centuries:

• Hurricane Betsy (1965): One of the earliest major storms that highlighted the city’s vulnerability.
• Hurricane Katrina (2005): The most devastating storm in U.S. history, causing over 1,800 deaths, $125 billion in damages, and mass displacement due to levee failures.
• Ongoing Wetland Loss: Louisiana has lost approximately 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands since the 1930s due to erosion, climate change, and human development.
• Rising Sea Levels & Climate Change: Scientists warn that increasing temperatures and more intense storms will worsen the city’s environmental challenges.

How We Got to the Present Moment

The vulnerability of New Orleans is largely due to a combination of natural and human-made factors:

1. Coastal Erosion: Canals built for oil and gas industries have eroded protective wetlands.
2. Levee System Failures: Instead of working with nature, levees block the river’s natural ability to deposit sediment, worsening subsidence (land sinking).
3. Climate Change: Increased temperatures and stronger storms have accelerated damage to the city.
4. Urban Expansion: More development has reduced natural drainage areas, making floods more frequent.

After Hurricane Katrina, billions of dollars were spent to improve flood protection, including:

• The Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS), a $14.6 billion investment in levees, floodwalls, and storm surge barriers.
• A shift toward nature-based solutions, like wetland restoration projects.
• More strict building codes to prevent damage in flood-prone areas.

Current Data on the Issue

• Hurricane Frequency & Intensity: Studies show that hurricanes have become more frequent and severe. In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused widespread power outages and flooding.
• Land Loss Rate: Louisiana loses an estimated 16 square miles of coastal land per year.
• Flooding Risks: The city’s drainage system is outdated, and even minor storms can cause severe street flooding.
• Resilience Investments: The federal government has allocated over $20 billion for climate adaptation projects, but many efforts are still underfunded.

Possible Solutions

To protect New Orleans from future disasters, several solutions have been proposed:

Infrastructure & Engineering Improvements

1. Upgrade Levees & Flood Control Systems
• Continuous improvements to the levee system to withstand Category 5 hurricanes.
• Building storm surge barriers similar to those in the Netherlands.
2. Better Drainage Systems
• Modernizing and maintaining the city's pumping stations.
• Expanding green infrastructure (e.g., rain gardens and permeable pavements).

Environmental Restoration

1. Coastal Wetland Restoration
• Rebuilding lost wetlands using sediment diversions from the Mississippi River.
• Stopping destructive dredging practices from oil and gas companies.
2. Reducing Urban Expansion in High-Risk Areas
• Encouraging managed retreat from flood-prone neighborhoods.
• Creating buffer zones that allow water to naturally drain.

Climate Adaptation & Policy

1. Stronger Climate Policies
• Limiting fossil fuel activities that contribute to sea level rise.
• Implementing stricter zoning laws to prevent construction in flood zones.
2. Community-Based Resilience Plans
• Improving emergency evacuation and disaster response systems.
• Expanding insurance programs to make flood recovery more accessible.

By investing in long-term solutions, New Orleans can become more resilient to climate change and environmental disasters.

Organizations Addressing Challenges

Government & Research Institutions

1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
• Responsible for maintaining and upgrading New Orleans’ levee and flood protection systems.
• Leads major infrastructure projects like the Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS).
• Website: www.usace.army.mil
2. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA)
• Oversees coastal restoration and flood protection efforts in Louisiana.
• Implements sediment diversion projects to restore wetlands.
• Website: coastal.la.gov
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Conducts climate and hurricane research to improve disaster response planning.
• Supports Louisiana’s efforts in coastal resilience and flood mapping.
• Website: www.noaa.gov

Environmental & Advocacy Organizations

1. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL)
• Focuses on restoring Louisiana’s wetlands, replanting vegetation, and advocating for policy changes.
• Works with local communities to address land loss.
• Website: www.crcl.org
2. The Water Institute of the Gulf
• A nonprofit research organization studying coastal protection and restoration strategies.
• Partners with local governments and businesses to develop sustainable water management solutions.
• Website: www.thewaterinstitute.org
3. Healthy Gulf
• Advocates for wetland conservation, clean water policies, and climate action in the Gulf Coast.
• Works to hold industries accountable for pollution and environmental damage.
• Website: www.healthygulf.org
4. Pontchartrain Conservancy
• Focuses on restoring and protecting Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding wetlands.
• Conducts water quality testing and environmental education programs.
• Website: scienceforourcoast.org
5. Greater New Orleans Water Collaborative
• Promotes sustainable urban water management, including green infrastructure projects.
• Works with residents and policymakers to improve drainage and stormwater retention.
• Website: www.watercollab.org

Community & Grassroots Organizations

1. Resilient NOLA (Resilient New Orleans Initiative)
• Works to implement climate adaptation strategies and build resilience against future disasters.
• Focuses on equitable recovery and sustainable urban planning.
• Website: www.nola.gov/resilience
2. Green Light New Orleans
• A nonprofit organization helping residents install energy-efficient lighting, rain barrels, and backyard gardens to reduce their environmental impact.
• Works on urban sustainability projects.
• Website: www.greenlightneworleans.org
3. Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED)
• Works on sustainable rebuilding and community resilience in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the hardest-hit areas during Hurricane Katrina.
• Focuses on wetland restoration, green building, and energy efficiency.
• Website: www.sustainthenine.org

Disaster Response & Recovery

1. American Red Cross - Louisiana Region
• Provides disaster relief, emergency preparedness training, and community resilience support.
• Helps residents recover from hurricanes and floods.
• Website: www.redcross.org/local/louisiana
2. SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project)
• A nonprofit that helps rebuild homes and strengthen communities affected by hurricanes and natural disasters.
• Provides resilience training and recovery resources to homeowners.
• Website: www.sbpusa.org

Outside Success Stories

1. Copenhagen, Denmark – Flood & Climate Resilience
• What Worked: Copenhagen implemented green infrastructure, expanded its stormwater drainage system, and built flood-resistant urban areas.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Investing in nature-based flood control can prevent severe damage from storms.
2. New York City, NY – Climate Adaptation & Resilience
• What Worked: NYC developed a $20 billion climate adaptation plan, strengthening levees, sea walls, and elevating power stations.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Investing in storm surge barriers & resilient infrastructure can protect against extreme weather.

On this page

• Climate and Environmental Challenges
• History of the Challenge
• How We Got to the Present Moment
• Current Data on the Issue
• Possible Solutions
• Infrastructure & Engineering Improvements
• Environmental Restoration
• Climate Adaptation & Policy
• Organizations Addressing Challenges
• Government & Research Institutions
• Environmental & Advocacy Organizations
• Community & Grassroots Organizations
• Disaster Response & Recovery
• Outside Success Stories