What Could Go Wrong?
Kennedy Derosin, Sustainability Community Support Intern
What could go wrong in the city that never sleeps? The city whose heartbeat thumps with the beat of its own drum. The city where a hurricane is not feared but celebrated with a party and a drink named after it? In late July, Love your City explored what could go wrong when we ignore what is happening with the climate at hand.
Wednesday July 22, Love Your City hosted a group of panelists who sat down to help answer pressing questions about the coastal challenges our city faces today and how we can prepare the Louisiana gulf coast for the future.
This roundtable took place at the beautiful Nieux on St. Charles and blended the perfect amount of ambience and professional whimsy. Guests were greeted with sparkling water, pizza, and a network to last a lifetime. Panelists included Clay Parker of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), Peter Waggoner of GNO, Inc., Professor Josh Lewis of the Tulane ByWater Institute, Kristi Trail, Executive Director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy, and Carmen Sunda, Previous Director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. The panel was moderated by Jessica Dandridge-Smith, Executive Director of The Water Collaborative.
Josh Lewis, Research Associate Professor and Research Director, Tulane ByWater Institute
While each panelist brought a unique perspective, a common theme emerged: Louisiana's future depends on all of us working together. Protecting our coast is not solely the responsibility of government agencies or environmental organizations. It requires businesses, neighborhoods, nonprofits, and everyday residents to work together to build resilience before the next storm arrives. While discussing Louisiana’s approach to coastal projects and the decision-making process, panelist Josh Lewis said, “The public needs more democratic control over how those projects are built and where they are built. And we have to trust the public and the people who live in these areas that are going to be transformed to be participants in that process.” The message was well received, with Tropical Storm Bertha impacting the venue with wind and rain throughout the event.
The discussion between the panelists and the audience explored not only the challenges we face but also the opportunities before us. From innovative coastal restoration projects to community-led water management initiatives, attendees left with a renewed understanding that there are practical, hopeful solutions already taking shape across our region.
More than anything, the roundtable reminded us that conversations like these matter. They connect experts with community members, transform complex issues into actionable ideas, and inspire people to see themselves as part of Louisiana's future. The health of our coast affects every aspect of life in New Orleans, from our culture and economy to the neighborhoods we call home. These events call on us to love our city the way we love ourselves – with care, intention, and a commitment to protecting what makes it thrive.
As Love Your City continues to create spaces for meaningful dialogue, we hope this conversation is only the beginning. Together, we can celebrate everything that makes New Orleans extraordinary while committing ourselves to protecting it for generations to come.