Rice University Launches the Center for Coastal Futures & Adaptive Resilience to Support Gulf Coast Communities
Rice University has taken a bold step toward addressing the pressing challenges faced by Gulf Coast communities with the launch of the Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience (CFAR). Spearheaded by Dominic Boyer, Professor of Anthropology and Governing Board Member of the Rice Sustainability Institute, and Jim Elliott, David W. Leebron Professor of Sociology and Department Chair, this initiative aims to provide research-driven solutions to help front-line communities most impacted by climate change and major disasters.
Boyer and Elliott, both leading scholars from the Rice University School of Social Sciences, are the masterminds behind CFAR. Their goal is to create sustainable and equitable futures for communities that have long been vulnerable to environmental risks. These at-risk communities include areas within Houston, such as Kashmere Gardens, Galena Park, and the Fifth Ward — neighborhoods that have borne the brunt of repeated natural disasters, from hurricanes to flooding.
"Our hope is that through rigorous research and community-driven projects, we can build resilience in these areas and help shape a future where front-line communities are no longer disproportionately affected by climate crises,” said Boyer.
The Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience will bring together environmental science, social research, and direct community engagement to address the complex challenges posed by rising sea levels, hurricanes, and extreme weather events. CFAR's interdisciplinary approach ensures that solutions are not only grounded in research but also developed in collaboration with those most affected by these threats.
Elliott emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "We’re not just studying these communities — we’re partnering with them to understand their needs and co-create adaptive strategies that can withstand future challenges."
The launch of CFAR is a significant milestone for Rice University, particularly in its broader mission to advance sustainability and resilience through innovative research. With its strategic focus on the Gulf Coast and areas like Houston, the center is positioned to become a key player in helping these communities recover from past disasters while preparing for the impacts of future climate change.
ABC 13’s Elyse Smith covered this exciting development and highlighted the role the center will play in transforming the Gulf Coast. You can see her full report here.
As Houston and the Gulf Coast face an uncertain future shaped by climate change, the work of Dominic Boyer, Jim Elliott, and the team at CFAR is critical in ensuring that these communities are not left behind.
You can learn more about the Center for Coastal Futures & Adaptive Resilience (CFAR) and its groundbreaking work here.
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