(4.1.1) Why are some coastal communities vulnerable to erosion + flooding?

What are some physical factors that lead to vulnerability to flooding and erosion?

• Geology- soft rock will erode faster

• Extreme weather

• Increased rainfall

What are some human factors that lead to vulnerability to flooding and erosion? Split human into social and economic.

Social

• Age of population

• Population density

• Education of population

• Management and support

Economic

• Rescue services

• Preparation

• Wealth- recovery capacity

Why does extreme weather increase vulnerability?

• Increased rainfall- likelihood of flooding increased

• Storm surges- wash over coastal defenses

• Impact on communication

What is a storm surge?

The abnormal rise in sea level during a storm, occurring due to high winds pushing the sea water towards the coast.

How does climate change exacerbate vulnerability?

• Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers and ice caps

  • Increase in storm size and impact

How does capacity to cope affect vulnerability?

The higher the capacity, the lower the vulnerability.

Why are less developed countries more vulnerable to coastal hazards?

• Lack of investment in defenses

• Inability to effectively implement protection

• Reliance of the sea for economy

• Difficult to recover from impacts

• Low capacity to cope

Why are more developed countries less vulnerable to coastal hazards?

• Increased capacity to cope

• Ability to invest in defenses and protection

• Rescue teams and strategies in place

What are SIDs?

Small Island Developing States

Why are SIDS vulnerable to flooding and erosion?

• Low capacity to cope

• Proximity to the sea and low sea level

• Dependence on sea for industry

• Little investment and ability to implement protection