Pew Recommends Oregon Adopt Nature-Based Approach to Coastal Resilience

On Nov. 15, 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments to Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) regarding its Draft 2020 Climate Change Adaptation Framework, which proposes “necessary actions” and strategies to adapt to climate change. The framework, which would be implemented as part of the state’s Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, is an example of Oregon’s commitment to comprehensively address climate change.

In its letter, Pew encouraged DLCD to link the draft framework, which is an update to the 2010 version, to new policies for enhancing natural carbon sequestration and addressing greenhouse gas emissions, which are being developed in response to Governor Kate Brown’s (D) Carbon Policy Executive Order (EO 20-04). In particular, Pew recommended that the state prioritize conserving and restoring coastal habitats, such as tidal wetlands and seagrass beds, which naturally capture and store atmospheric carbon, but can also help coastal communities adapt to sea level rise, ocean acidification, and other climate change impacts.  The letter also urged DLCD to include nature-based solutions, such as wetlands restoration, in forthcoming updates to the state’s estuary management plans.