15.2.1 Coastal Vulnerability to Climate Change
Sea-level rise and changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events,
such as cyclones, storm surges and high river flows, can cause:
- inundation and displacement of wetlands and lowlands;
- erosion and degradation of shorelines and coral reefs;
- increased coastal flooding;
- salinisation of estuaries and freshwater aquifers.
Bijlsma et al. (1996) concluded that most coastal areas are vulnerable to
such impacts to some degree and some adaptation will be necessary. However,
certain settings are more vulnerable than other ones. Deltaic areas, small islands-especially
coral atolls-and coastal wetlands appear particularly vulnerable to climate
change. In addition, developed sandy shores could be vulnerable because of the
large investment and significant sand resources required to maintain beaches
and adjoining infrastructure. Taking a regional perspective, Watson et al. (1998)
concluded that the threat of increased coastal flooding is most severe for South
and South-East Asia, Africa, the southern Mediterranean coasts, the Caribbean
and most islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans
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