Oyster Reefs and Green Infrastructure

The video discusses the concept of natural capital, also known as green infrastructure, contrasting it with gray infrastructure. It uses a case study from the Gulf after Hurricane Katrina to illustrate how oyster reefs can provide similar protection to seawalls against sea level rise and storms. The cost of building both is comparable, but oyster reefs offer additional benefits such as supporting local economies, cleaning water, and providing habitats for wildlife. The Nature Conservancy advocates for green infrastructure as a better investment in many cases.

What is another term used for natural capital?

• Gray infrastructure

• Green infrastructure

• Blue infrastructure

• Urban infrastructure

What is the primary purpose of gray infrastructure?

• To promote tourism

• To enhance biodiversity

• To provide services to society

• To reduce pollution

Which natural structure is suggested as an alternative to seawalls?

• Coral reefs

• Sand dunes

• Oyster reefs

• Mangrove forests

What is the cost of building one mile of seawall or oyster reef in the Gulf?

• 500,000 dollars

• 1 million dollars

• 2 million dollars

• 1.5 million dollars

How does the lifespan of an oyster reef compare to a seawall?

• Oyster reefs grow stronger over time

• Seawalls last longer

• Both have the same lifespan

• Oyster reefs deteriorate faster

What additional benefit do oyster reefs provide to the local economy?

• They increase property values

• They support local fisheries

• They reduce air pollution

• They provide fresh water

How do oyster reefs contribute to water quality?

• They filter pollutants

• They increase salinity

• They decrease oxygen levels

• They raise water temperature

What is a key environmental benefit of oyster reefs?

• They cause soil erosion

• They reduce biodiversity

• They increase carbon emissions

• They provide habitat for birds

Why are oyster reefs considered a 'win-win-win' solution?

• They are cheap to build

• They benefit the economy, environment, and tourism

• They require no maintenance

• They are easy to remove

What is the main message TNC wants to convey about green infrastructure?

• It is always more expensive than gray infrastructure

• It is often a better investment than gray infrastructure

• It is only suitable for coastal areas

• It requires more government support