Sir, – The “strengthening of coastal defences against flooding” is not the only nor the best way forward in preparing for those unpredictable effects of climate change on Ireland’s coasts (“The Irish Times view on preparing for climate change: turning planning into action”, May 6th).
What is needed more than ever is for us to restore and safeguard our naturally dynamic coastal zone: low-lying coastal areas, sea-grass beds, salt marshes, and dunes.
The science is clear: nature is perfectly capable of protecting us against flooding and coastal erosion (alongside capturing carbon and offering many other benefits).
What we have to do is recognise and respect that these naturally dynamic buffers require space. – Yours, etc,
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IRIS MÖLLER,
Professor of Geography,
Trinity College Dublin,
Dublin 2.
