As the earliest and strongest hurricane ever recorded in the month of June, Hurricane Beryl serves as a stark reminder of the increasing ferocity of tropical storms fuelled by climate change. As the toll of destruction mounts, Palladium’s Florian Kemmerich is thinking not only of his family in Mexico, but about the millions of others whose lives will be upended this week – and in the years to come.

“Witnessing how climate related disasters affect the livelihoods of millions globally,” he says, “we need to urgently innovate on the protection and resilience of these at-risk communities.”

According to Kemmerich, nature itself can help. Coastal ecosystems can protect critical infrastructure from natural disasters like Beryl, and the key is in restoring, investing in, and integrating our communities with these ecosystems.

“It’s important to understand that coastal ecosystems, such as reefs, mangroves, dunes, and forests, need to be adapted and even built to protect critical infrastructure like water, energy, and housing,” he explains. “Beyond its biodiversity, nature is here a first line of defense against these storms to sustain local livelihoods, communities and their economies.”

Kemmerich outlines three key strategies grounded in nature to adapt to our new reality.

Firstly, restoring reefs, planting mangroves, and fortifying forests are critical to bolstering coastal resilience. “These natural barriers not only dissipate storm surges but also protect delicate shorelines from erosion, buffering the human infrastructure that increasingly lines vulnerable coasts,” he says.

Secondly, Kemmerich suggests creating new ecosystems tailored to function as a robust natural defense. By strategically introducing mangrove forests and enhancing dune stability, communities can proactively guard against future storm impacts, fostering ecosystems that are both resilient and adaptive.

Thirdly, the integration of nature with infrastructure planning represents a paradigm shift in coastal development. “Rather than resisting natural landscapes, we need to harmonise our settlements with the environment,” Kemmerich explains. This approach not only enhances the protective capacity of ecosystems but also promotes sustainable development practices that respect and utilise natural resources effectively.

The urgency to implement these strategies is underscored by the escalating frequency and intensity of hurricanes like Beryl. Climate scientists warn that warmer ocean temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions will likely continue to fuel stronger storms, posing increasingly severe threats to coastal populations and economies worldwide.

Recent studies support Kemmerich's suggestions, highlighting the tangible benefits of intact coastal ecosystems. Mangroves, for instance, have been shown to reduce wave heights and provide vital habitat for marine life, while coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, safeguarding shorelines from wave erosion.

What’s more, the economic case for investing in nature-based solutions is compelling.

“Every dollar spent on coastal restoration and conservation yields multiple dollars in avoided damages from storms and sea-level rise,” Kemmerich says. This cost-effectiveness underscores the practicality of integrating natural infrastructure into broader climate adaptation strategies.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, coastal communities are increasingly recognising the need for proactive measures that go beyond traditional engineering solutions. Embracing nature-based approaches not only enhances resilience but also fosters biodiversity, supports local livelihoods, and preserves cultural heritage tied to coastal environments.

As policymakers, businesses, and communities grapple with the impacts of a changing climate, the call to prioritise nature as a frontline defense against natural disasters grows louder. The imperative to invest in and protect coastal ecosystems has never been clearer. “By aligning human development with the natural world,” says Kemmerich, “we can forge a path towards a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.”