New Orleans, located along the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico in the United States, is one of the most flood-prone cities in the world. With much of the city sitting below sea level, New Orleans faces significant risks from sea level rise and extreme weather events, particularly storm surges from hurricanes. The city’s existing levees and flood walls offer some protection, but climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, putting pressure on these defenses.
To combat these growing risks, New Orleans has increasingly embraced both traditional and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). These include wetlands restoration, which helps absorb storm surge and reduce flooding, and the creation of green spaces to improve water management and reduce the urban heat island effect. Restoring coastal wetlands, which act as natural buffers, is especially important, as they are rapidly disappearing due to rising seas and land subsidence.
While significant infrastructure upgrades have been made, the city continues to explore new ways to combine engineering and natural solutions for long-term resilience. New Orleans serves as a critical example of how cities can adapt to rising sea levels by integrating environmental restoration with advanced flood protection measures.