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Three research stars fighting to protect coastlines

Coastal cities and communities are being hit hard by climate change. These researchers are finding ways to build resilience.
By
  1. Sandy Ong

    1. Sandy Ong is a freelance writer based in Singapore.

  2. Jiaqi Shi

    1. Jiaqi Shi is a science writer based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The best asset that a coastal area has in the fight against climate change is its people. Whether they’re building sea walls or coral nurseries, or helping to create rich records of flooding events and cultural artefacts, coastal locals are shoring up their neighbourhoods. Scientists Taukiei Kitara from Tuvalu, Hannah Eisler Burnett from New York City and Apple Chui from Hong Kong are working to ensure that the people dealing with coastal challenges have the advocacy, training and protection they need.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-03531-5

This article is part of Nature Index 2025 Science cities, a supplement produced with financial support from the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park. Nature maintains full independence in all editorial decisions related to the content. Advertisers have no influence over the content. For more information about Nature Index, see the homepage.

Updates & Corrections

  • Correction 25 November 2025: An earlier version of this story neglected to mention the role of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the New York Sea Grant initiative.

References

  1. Kitara, T. & Farbotko, C. npj Clim. Action 2, 17 (2023).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Rothe, D., Boas, I., Farbotko, C. & Kitara, T. Int. Aff. 100, 1491–1509 (2024).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Chui, A. P. Y. & Ang, P. Jr PLoS ONE 12, e0179423 (2017).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

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