Sea level rise impacts in coastal zones: Soft measures to cope with it

Authors

  • Paola Bianca Cisneros Linares

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5931/djim.v8i2.282

Keywords:

management, environment, sea level rise, social

Abstract

Sea level rise impacts are projected to cause multiple negative consequences in coastal zones such as coastal erosion, flooding, flood-related health problems, property damage and social-economic impacts. Thus, it is imperative to assess adaptation measures to minimize these devastating projections. Several responsive strategies to sea level rise (i.e. Retreat, Accommodate, Protect) have been developed. Within the Protect Responsive Strategy, ‘hard‘ and ‘soft‘ adaptation options have been widely implemented in coastal zones. This paper examines several ‘soft‘ adaptation options (beach nourishment, dune restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and marine soft engineering technology), which provide interesting alternatives to address sea level rise in coastal zones. Advantages and disadvantages of these soft options are analyzed from an ecological and socio-economic perspective. The paper concludes with some proposed recommendations that could support soft structure approaches in coastal zone areas.

Author Biography

Paola Bianca Cisneros Linares

Paola Cisneros completed a BSc (Hons) in Biology in 2004 at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. She also obtained her specialization in Hydrobiology and Fisheries in 2007 at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Paola is a current candidate in the Master of Marine Management program at Dalhousie University and will graduate in August 2012. Paola has a strong interest in adaptive responses to climate change effects and coastal zone management. This essay was originally written for a class called “Independent Reading Course” (MARA 5005.03). The Author would like to thank the Course Instructor and Director of the marine Affairs program, Dalhousie University, Dr Lucia M. Fanning for her constructive comments in this paper, and Liz Wilson (ID PhD candidate) for her continuing interest in, and valuable observations of, this essay.

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Published

2012-04-05

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