The Negative Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Nature

According to Wetland and Erosion researchers, Hurricane Katrina destroyed 40 square miles of the Pontchartrain Basin in one day. Result of this damage was between 60 and 70% of both residents and wildlife became vulnerable as found in Louisiana’s Disappearing Wetlands. Disappearing Wetland also state “These barriers served as storm buffers, protecting the mainland.” (Pendarvis) Without taking necessary precautions in regards to our protection barriers, Louisiana populations and ecosystems are at high risk of casualty.

Louisiana’s wetlands are continuously ruined and currently harmful for surrounding populations. The cause of drastic erosion to our wetlands is not having enough protection against major impacts. If people continue to ignore “the severity of hazards and consequences to a community.” (Dam) the damage will reach a point to where we can no longer improve. Wildlife is going to become extinct and human population will have to home in other locations. The beautiful state as we know is in danger and we owe it to the future to make a change.

Planting trees, scrub-shrubs and other wetland plants that were previously removed. By replanting, we are building new and fresh habitats for many coastal living things. A simple task related to this was performed by residents in Southern Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Participants said, “Every plant and animal species that live along and in the waters is affected.” (Tursi, et al.) Meaning now was the time to act before the species is put in grave dangers. Results took months, eventually showing success.

Using live shoreline techniques to stabilize the shorelines. This is done by inserting eco-friendly foundations into the shorelines. Eco-friendly foundations play a large role in creating new habitats for all types of wildlife as well as maintain current ones. Evidence shows that this technique was successful for restoring coastal ecosystems in Florida bays and estuaries.

Building stronger and reliable levees. Although we have levees in and around Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina showed us that they aren’t always reliable. For greater strength and reliability, we should use different elements in which the levees are made of. Tungsten and Chromium and two natural and highly strong metals. Chances of levees built with one of these metals is slim to none. Studies and statistics given by the Gulf of Mexico Coastal and Shoreline Erosion Action Agenda prove that “serious long-term environmental damage will occur unless action is initiated” towards the improvement of todays levees and what they are made of.

Building levees with stronger material will help prevent further damage to our wetlands. Cities and states have these levees but by using stronger elements will decrease the risks of the levees breaking. Using shoreline techniques is effective but takes time and is not capable of stopping flooding from incoming storms getting into the mainland. Replanting specific wetland plants is a good plan yet compared to levees they serve as no help. We will continuously plant things as for levees, being built with stronger elements, once done you don’t always have to redo or start over. Therefore, building new and improved levees will solve our problem to wetland and coastal erosion.

Upon completion of building levees, having live shoreline and replanting plants our wetlands will soon be restored and protected. These solutions are possible, effective in their own ways and are worth the change in the end. Future wildlife will habituate to the coastal regions of Louisiana. Residents will be able live without worry and fear. Futuristically, our wetlands and coast will remain and improve leaving Louisiana in the beautiful state as it should be in

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