The passing of renowned scientist Orrin Pilkey leaves a significant void in North Carolina and the scientific community nationwide
Durham: Orrin Pilkey, a well-respected scientist, recently passed away, and it’s a real loss for everyone. He was a geology professor at Duke University and a strong advocate for science-based policies.
For decades, he warned against building on North Carolina’s delicate coastlines. He believed it was a bad idea to put up condos and roads on those sandy shores. His insights were clear and convincing.
According to the New York Times, Pilkey argued that heavy infrastructure on unstable land was a recipe for disaster. He pushed for smarter decisions, like banning seawalls and recognizing that beaches need space to move and recover.
His work helped shape policies that protect our coastlines. It’s clear that Pilkey’s impact on North Carolina was immense. Continuing his mission to use science in policy-making is the best way to honor his memory.
For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.
