Over the Seawall: Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought, and the Delusion of Controlling Nature

People in a coastal Japanese city believed that a concrete barrier would save them from a tsunami in 2011. Instead, they perished, betrayed by the very thing built to protect them. This is an example of maladaptation, where solutions that backfire have led to unintended consequences. Over the Seawall tells the stories behind these unintended consequences and offers fixes that can do more harm than good. It urges us to take a hard look at the fortifications we build and how they have fared in the past, and argues that working with nature is the only way to assure a secure future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2023
Publisher: Island Press

In March 2011, a coastal Japanese city's residents stood atop a seawall, eagerly observing the impending tsunami that would claim their lives. Blinded by their naive belief, they mistakenly thought the massive concrete barrier would shield them from harm. Tragically, their trust was misplaced, as the very object intended to protect them led to their demise. The world is experiencing a convergence of erratic weather patterns, severe droughts, rising sea levels, and the collapse of ecosystems on a global scale. Increasingly, we have abandoned the goal of preventing climate change and instead opt for adaptation. Never before have so many individuals embarked on a widespread and hurried endeavor to reshape the world. Regrettably, our arrogance has resulted in unintended and, at times, catastrophic consequences. This phenomenon, referred to as maladaptation by academics, encompasses solutions that backfire.

Over the Seawall delves into the narratives behind these unintended consequences and explores the fixes that can cause more harm than good. Author Stephen Robert Miller takes us on a journey, tracing the histories of engineering marvels that were once considered too advanced and ambitious to fail. From the seawalls in coastal Japan to the re-engineered waters in the Ganges River Delta and the artificial ribbon of water supporting farms and urban centers in arid Arizona, Miller explores the stories behind these engineering wonders that ultimately met their downfall.

In each chapter, Miller immerses himself in the land and culture, seeking out locals and experts to gain a deeper understanding of how intricate and grandiose schemes led to failure. He aims to identify the root causes of these failures and propose solutions to the technological gaps we have created. Over the Seawall urges us to critically examine the fortifications we construct and evaluate their historical performance. It embraces humanity's innate inclination for problem-solving but argues that for us to adapt successfully to climate change, we must recognize that working with nature is not a surrender but the sole path to guarantee a secure future.

The book serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of humility and responsible decision-making in the face of unprecedented challenges. It emphasizes the need to balance our ambitions with the delicate balance of ecosystems and the environment. By embracing nature-based solutions and adopting a more holistic approach, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

In conclusion, Over the Seawall is a thought-provoking and informative book that sheds light on the unintended consequences of human interventions and the urgent need for adaptation to climate change. Through its compelling narratives and expert insights, the book encourages us to reevaluate our approach to engineering and embrace a more harmonious relationship with the natural world. By working together, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a more resilient and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642832563