Evaluating the role of coastal habitats and sea‐level rise in hurricane risk mitigation: An ecological economic assessment method and application to a business decision

摘要: Businesses may be missing opportunities to account for ecosystem services in their decisions, because they do not have methods quantify and value services. We developed a method coastal protection other the context of cost-benefit analysis hurricane risk mitigation options business. first analyze linked biophysical economic models examine potential provided by marshes. then applied this The Dow Chemical Company's Freeport, Texas facility evaluate natural (marshes), built (levee), hybrid (marshes levee designed marshes) defenses against 100-y hurricane. Model shows that future sea-level rise decreases marsh area, increases flood heights, required height (12%) cost (8%). In context, marshes provide sufficient facility, located 12 km inland, warrant change design Marshes some near shore under smaller storm conditions, which help maintain coastline performance face rise. sum, net present business ($217 million [2010 US$]) is greater than ($15 similar defense scenario ($229 US$]). Examination sample public benefits from at least $117 (2010 US$) protection, recreational value, C sequestration public, while supporting fisheries more 300 wildlife species. This study provides information on where effective replicable approach businesses can use incorporate private, as well service values into management sites.