Author(s): Robert James Nicholls
Linked Author(s): Robert Nicholls
Keywords: Coastal flooding, coastal erosion, coastal impacts, coastal adaptation, integrated assessment
Abstract: Coastal areas are a microcosm of global change issues because of the intensity of human interventions and often significant environmental gradients. Hence they are often experiencing profound change due to a range of natural and human-induced drivers. Of particular concern is climate change, particularly sea-level rise (SLR). In low gradient coastal areas, small changes in water levels can have profound consequences. Hence SLR is rightly considered a major threat. However, to properly diagnose this problem and find appropriate and sustainable solutions, a systems approach is essential as the impacts of SLR will be modified by other drivers. Human adaptation also needs to be considered as this can also have major direct and indirect effects beyond the immediate goal of the adaptation. This paper will consider these issues from a multidisciplinary perspective drawing on examples from around the world
Year: 2017