Climate Change's Impact on new Orleans' Lower 9th ward session

The interactive session was presented by John Mcaughlan,Director,Tulane-Xavier
center for Boenvironmentl Research and a colleage Charles Allen.
 

 They started of by showing us maps and explaining the reasons for the flooding
during Katrina. It was disheartening to know that most of the disaster could
have been avoided if not for man made structures.This made me introspect the
situation in my own country as well.
We were told of how most of the wetlands which acted as buffers reducing the
fury of the cyclones are now gone and were shown pictures of their drastic
decrease.
Further it was interesting to learn about how researchers from Kobe,Japan(which
sufferred a 8.0 earthquaqe) helped leverage their skills in contributing to the
research.
The research will ceratinly help more than  the rebuilding of New Orleans as was
pointed out that a staggering 80% of the world's population live in coastal
areas.
 
The concept of using the Natural laboratory was also rather intriguing.
The introduction of Pasteen's quadrant and the dilemma faced in the resarch
cirles of Basic v/s applied reseacrh was also communicated.
They presented the "Linear Model Of basic Research to New Technology"
as trade of between the too.
 The quadrant model of scientific research was also touched upon:this, we were
told was the mode of research they were to use.
 
The lower ninth ward model house to be used in the reconstruction was to be
based on the following:
-sustainablity
-materials(cypres wood was considered apt for construction)
-mould(fungus) resistant
-elevated from the ground(3 or 4 feet)
 
It was intersting to note that the models had allowance for efficient/renewal
energy as well.
 I was glad to know that spearheading the rebuilding of New Orleans were people of such high
calibre and dedication such as the John McLachlan.