Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly due to rising sea levels and the frequency of floods, which are among the most costly natural disasters worldwide. These challenges pose significant risks to coastal communities, affecting their economy, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Traditional flood prevention methods, such as seawalls and levees, have proven to be resource-intensive and can negatively impact the environment. As a response, there is a growing interest in nature-based solutions that leverage natural features—like oyster reefs and wetlands—to enhance resilience against flooding while providing ecological benefits.

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Our research aims to address the critical gap in understanding the environmental impacts of different coastal flood protection strategies. The life cycle environmental impacts of grey infrastructure versus greener alternatives remain largely unexplored. We propose a framework for assessing the sustainability of flood protection strategies from a life cycle perspective, enabling a more informed decision-making process. By examining the environmental effects of both conventional and hybrid flood defense systems, we seek to highlight the potential benefits of incorporating natural solutions into coastal management.