Baltimore is restoring wetlands to protect neighborhoods from climate threats
Baltimore is revitalizing South Baltimore's wetlands to strengthen defenses against extreme weather and climate change, while creating new green spaces for the community.
Aman Azhar reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Baltimore’s $11.5 million wetlands project aims to restore 11 acres by 2025, part of a larger 50-acre restoration plan along the Patapsco River.
- Wetlands will reduce storm surges, filter water and provide habitats, benefiting vulnerable neighborhoods and critical infrastructure.
- The restoration project is funded through federal initiatives and local sources, including the nearby Horseshoe Casino.
Key quote:
“We’ve changed so much of the earth that we really need to understand how nature works in our presence.”
— Dr. Eric Schott, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Why this matters:
Restoring wetlands provides natural defenses against climate change, particularly for underserved communities in Baltimore. Wetlands also support biodiversity, reduce pollution and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure. At the same time, some scientists caution that restoration is still a relatively young science that requires ongoing study in order to get urban wetland restoration projects right.
