Wetlands and barrier islands form a natural buffer zone
that absorbs storm surges and blunts the force of high winds.
Scientists estimate that approximately 3 miles of healthy vegetated
wetlands are capable of absorbing one foot of storm surge.
As
the barrier islands and wetlands erode, south Louisiana communities
become increasingly exposed to the direct brunt of storms and
hurricanes. If wetlands and barrier islands continue to erode as
projected, more than 2 million people living in south Louisiana could
be subjected to more frequent and severe flooding.
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