Rethinking Tsunami Preparedness

The role of coastal forests in the mitigation of tsunami disasters has become a hotly debated topic in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 and Japan in 2011. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the interactions between tsunamis and vegetation is limited and the associated danger of ineffective or even potentially harmful policies is concerning. Through this project, we hope to contribute to bridging the gap between science and policy and provide new insights on whether and how coastal trees or forests may be promising for protective purposes.