Here is a ready-to-use decision-making exercise to help students develop green skills.

The brief:

Rising sea levels and stronger storms are increasing the risk of coastal flooding. Beaches, cliffs, and coastal towns are at risk of erosion, property damage, and habitat loss. Some areas are more vulnerable than others, depending on their geography and how humans have built on the coast.

As a Coastal Protection Specialist, your job is to study the coast, identify areas most at risk, and design strategies to protect people, buildings, and ecosystems from flooding and erosion.

Your task:

1. Map vulnerable areas where sea levels are rising fastest or where flooding is most likely.
2. Analyse the coastline – look at the types of beaches, cliffs, and human developments, and how they affect erosion and flooding.
3. Identify risks to homes, infrastructure, and wildlife from waves, storms, and rising seas.
4. Design solutions to protect the coast, which might include:
   • Building or reinforcing sea walls, groynes, or rock armour to reduce erosion.
   • Restoring or creating natural barriers such as sand dunes, mangroves, or salt marshes.
   • Planning managed retreat – moving buildings and infrastructure away from high-risk areas.
   • Advising local communities on early warning systems and emergency plans for floods.

Outcome:

By analysing risks and designing protection strategies, you help keep coastal areas safe, preserve habitats, and prepare communities for the challenges of rising sea levels.