Nature Moves. Our Rules Don’t. That’s the Problem

By: Leanne Spaudling and Danielle Bissett

Through regulation or development, our nation seems determined to perpetuate the status quo of controlling nature by upholding outdated practices that include squeezing, fragmenting, barricading, walling, and fencing nature. This is happening despite credible research documenting the role restoring wetlands, reconnecting floodplains and rivers, and creating resilient coastlines plays in reducing risks associated with extreme weather and climate change.

While well-intended, the length and strain of our permitting processes alone do not accommodate for dynamic natural processes key to building resilience and reducing risks. The result? Flood-prone communities, for one, are even less prepared at the onset to deal with the shocks and stressors of disasters. Opportunities to provide multiple benefits for people and nature are often viewed as unique and innovative, requiring creative regulatory and funding approaches. However, working with nature has been proven to be one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective ways to increase resilience. And as each disaster hits, the urgency for more nature-based solutions (NBS) for resilience increases, as does the price tag of not taking proactive action.