Sea Level Rise
Chapter: Scientific Evidence, Socio-Economic Realities, and Adaptation Challenges for Coastal Communities
Author: Vilane Gonçalves Sales, CMCC
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of sea level rise (SLR), integrating scientific evidence, socio-economic impacts, and adaptation strategies. It examines the accelerating rate of global sea level rise, primarily attributed to human-induced climate change, with projections indicating significant increases by 2100. The socio-economic consequences of SLR, including direct costs from infrastructure damage and indirect impacts on sectors like tourism and fisheries, are explored in the chapter. The chapter discusses the disproportionate effects on vulnerable coastal communities, highlighting issues of displacement, health risks, and cultural heritage loss. Various adaptation strategies are analysed in it, including infrastructure development, ecosystem-based approaches, socio-economic adaptations, and managed retreat. It also addresses the complex challenges in implementing these strategies, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary, context-specific solutions. The chapter concludes by outlining future research directions, and stressing the importance of improved regional projections and integrated approaches for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by sea level rise.