DCP leading way in sea level rise planning
2014
The College of Design, Construction and Planning is rapidly becoming a leader in the area of sea level rise and climate change adaptation planning.
Building on existing and previous UF research, three sea level rise adaptation planning projects led by DCP faculty recently received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Florida and Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant programs.
Research on global systems suggests that coastal communities and regions are becoming increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise and climate change. As a result, researchers and practitioners are developing processes, tools and strategies for adapting to future impacts.
Zhong-Ren Peng, professor of urban and regional planning is directing the first project, titled “Development of Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Procedures and Tools Using NOAA Sea Level Rise Impacts Viewer.” The project will improve the “Viewer” by incorporating more data and functions as a decision support tool to help local planners better understand regional vulnerability and prioritize adaptation options. The project team will partner with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council in Florida.