Effectiveness and trade-offs of green versus gray coastal infrastructure in flood resilience

As climate change contributes to sea level rise and storms intensifying around the world, coastal communities are becoming increasingly exposed to flood risks. Therefore, coastal flood protection and resilience is more important than ever. To achieve such protection, we must understand the benefits and drawbacks of various types of infrastructure built to insulate these communities from flooding. In this literature review, we examine and report on the current knowledge surrounding green, or natural, versus gray coastal infrastructure and its effectiveness specifically in regards to flood resilience. We also further explore and synthesize findings of the ways in which certain structures may affect, positively or negatively, other ecosystem services in these areas.