Resilient Infrastructure. Healthier Ecosystems. Stronger Coastal Communities. Leading experts discuss in our webinar on June 18 how science-based policy can help unlock more effective, implementable, and resilient approaches to coastal infrastructure.
What does the future of coastal infrastructure look like in an era of rising seas, stronger storms, and increasing environmental pressure?
This webinar brings together leaders in coastal planning, shoreline resilience, environmental policy, and global energy development to discuss how science-driven solutions are shaping the next generation of resilient waterfront infrastructure. From nature-based and hybrid green-gray approaches to regulatory innovation and large-scale implementation strategies, the discussion will explore how communities can move beyond concepts and pilots toward real-world adoption.
The panel will highlight emerging technologies, policy frameworks, resilience planning, and the growing role of interdisciplinary collaboration in protecting coastlines while supporting economic and environmental sustainability.
Perfect for policymakers, regulators, engineers, environmental professionals, researchers, students, and coastal stakeholders interested in the future of resilient infrastructure.
A more resilient coast will require more than stronger structures — it will require smarter policy, better tools, and a broader view of what coastal infrastructure can achieve.
Join us and sign up now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eK_IbA_BT4emi4qPNuznYg
Webinar panelists
Dr. Maria Petrova
Dr. Maria A. Petrova is a professor of sustainability, energy, and the environment with extensive academic, research, and consulting experience in climate policy, decarbonization, and energy transitions. Her work focuses on strategic frameworks for sustainable management, integrating climate and energy policy into institutional and corporate decision-making, and applying evidence-based approaches to complex policy challenges.
Dr. Petrova will bring a broader policy and systems perspective to the discussion, examining how evidence-based frameworks can support better infrastructure decisions and help align innovation, governance, and long-term resilience planning.Dr. Maria Petrova will explore how global energy systems, climate policy, and international infrastructure development are shaping the future of resilient coastal and urban infrastructure planning.
Pepper Uchino
President, Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association
Stephen “Pepper” Uchino is an expert on environmental policy with a specific focus on natural resources. He is the President of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association. Before taking the helm at FSBPA in 2019, Pepper was a partner at Anfield Consulting Group, and a Staff Director for various committees in the Florida Senate, where he worked on nearly every aspect of Florida’s environmental laws and policy. Pepper has a master’s degree in Marine Affairs and Policy and a law degree from the University of Miami.
Pepper Uchino will share insights from Florida’s frontline experience with beach preservation, erosion management, storm recovery, and evolving approaches to shoreline stabilization and resilient coastal infrastructure.
Laura Tam, CEO at Bay Planning Coalition
Laura Tam is the Chief Executive Officer of Bay Planning Coalition, leading a network of more than 150 organizations focused on policy, funding, and regulation for San Francisco Bay and surrounding communities. With over 25 years of experience in climate resilience, natural resources policy, and sustainable planning, she is recognized for building cross-sector partnerships and advancing regional resilience strategies. Laura is a co-author of the San Francisco Bay Shoreline Adaptation Atlas and has contributed extensively to policy studies on water, energy, and climate. Prior to joining BPC in 2024, she held leadership roles at Resources Legacy Fund and SPUR. She holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Laura Tam will discuss how regional planning agencies are addressing sea level rise, coastal flooding, and infrastructure vulnerability through long-term resilience planning, policy integration, and collaborative waterfront adaptation strategies.