(4.2.2) What's the most sustainable way to manage coastlines in the face of rising sea levels?

Why are some coastal communities going to be more vulnerable in the future?

A combination of climate change causing rising sea levels and larger storms with bigger sea surges will lead to flooding and submersion.

Why are sea levels rising?

global warming → melting glaciers + thermal expansion → rising sea levels

Why are some coastline at greater risk than others?

• low lying land- vulnerable to rising seas + storm surges

• soft weak geology- low erosion resistance.

Which communities are most at risk?

• Areas below the sea level after future increase will be submerged

• Communities will have to move away from the coast.

• Poorer communities whose housing cannot withstand frequent flooding

• Areas subsiding (sinking) due to human activity

What are some physical factors which mean that SIDs are at high risk?

• Small size

• Remote

• Stress on fresh water supplies

• Frequent natural hazards

• Low lying land

What are some human factors which mean that SIDs are at high risk?

• Developing nation

• Often a lack of strong leadership in the global arena

• Often a high population density

What are some SIDs that can be used as examples of communities at risk?

Tuvalu and the Maldives

Why are rising sea levels leading to environmental refugees?

As land is submerged, people lose homes, livelihoods, safety and access to services so are unable to stay in their countries or areas, forcing them to seek refuge somewhere else.

How are HICs (UK) facing the issue of future rising sea levels?

• London has created The Thames Barrier which is a flood control structure on the river, reducing the risk of London property being flooded.

• It cost around £1.5 billion and costs £6 million to run and maintain.

• However, without it, other defenses would need to be much more extreme.

How are LICs (Bangladesh) facing the issue of future rising sea levels?

• Many fishing villages and agricultural land at risk

• Hard engineering

• adaptation- salt-resistant crops, houses on stilts

How are SIDs (Tuvalu) facing the issue of future rising sea levels?

• New higher land was designed as a buffer for large storms

• Raising housing

• Salt-resistant crops

• Mangrove trees planted