Can engineering save Louisiana from sinking into the Gulf of Mexico?

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Dr. Alex Kolker and his team investigate whether water diversion projects can reverse land loss in coastal Louisiana. This exploration examines the reality of subsidence and sea level rise, questioning if current restoration efforts are enough to protect New Orleans and the surrounding coast from disappearing.

For over ten years, Dr. Alex Kolker, in partnership with the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, has researched the environmental threats facing coastal Louisiana. The study focuses on the dual pressures of subsidence—the gradual sinking of land—and rising sea levels, which together drive significant land loss.

The team evaluates the efficacy of water diversion projects, which are central to the state's strategy for coastal preservation. By analyzing these engineering interventions, the research aims to determine if such efforts can successfully mitigate land loss and safeguard the future of New Orleans.

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