Coastal resilienceTrump-owned resort cites sea level rise in application for seawall permit

Published 25 May 2016

Donald Trump may believe that the scientific evidence about global warming is a “hoax,” or the result of a Chinese plot to undermine the American economy, but the professional managers of his coastal properties believe that global warming is real, and that one of its consequences – sea level rise – poses a real threat to the Trump properties they manage.

Donald Trump may have adopted the climate change-deniers’ line in order to appeal to Republican constituencies – he describes scientific evidence about global warming as a “hoax,” or the result of a Chinese plot to undermine the American economy. The professional managers of his coastal properties, however, believe that global warming is real, and that one of its consequences – sea level rise – poses a real threat to the Trump properties they manage.

Politico reports that the managers of a golf course and resort in Doughmore Bay, Ireland, which Trump bought in 2014, have asked for a permit to build a seawall to protect the resort from rising seas.

In their application for the building permit, the resort management cites sea level rise as part of the reason for construction of the sea wall. Coastal erosion is eating away at the property, and Trump wants to strengthen the beach with rock.

Politico quotes the environmental impact statement prepared for the prospective project explains to say that “If the predictions of an increase in sea level rise as a result of global warming prove correct, however, it is likely that there will be a corresponding increase in coastal erosion rates not just in Doughmore Bay but around much of the coastline of Ireland.”

In addition, a brochure sent out to local residents to explain the purpose of the project, notes that “Predicted sea level rise and more frequent storm events will increase the rate of erosion throughout the 21st century.”