scholarly journals CLIMATE CHANGE KEY-CHALLENGES IN COASTAL ENGINEERING

Author(s):  
Iñigo J. Losada ◽  
Paula Camus ◽  
Alexandra Toimil ◽  
Antonio Espejo ◽  
Cristina Izaguirre

Coastal engineers play a leading role in assessing climate change impacts in coastal and low-lying areas and in the design and implementation of adaptation solutions to build resilient coastal systems. Given the continuous growth of coastal communities and assets along the world coastlines, the need to protect and preserve natural and socioeconomic coastal systems and the escalating impacts of climate change (Wong et al. 2014), there is an urgent demand by decision makers for coastal engineering practice dealing with risk assessment and adaptation under high levels of uncertainty.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Kapitza ◽  
Pham Van Ha ◽  
Tom Kompas ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
Natasha C. R. Cadenhead ◽  
...  

AbstractClimate change threatens biodiversity directly by influencing biophysical variables that drive species’ geographic distributions and indirectly through socio-economic changes that influence land use patterns, driven by global consumption, production and climate. To date, no detailed analyses have been produced that assess the relative importance of, or interaction between, these direct and indirect climate change impacts on biodiversity at large scales. Here, we apply a new integrated modelling framework to quantify the relative influence of biophysical and socio-economically mediated impacts on avian species in Vietnam and Australia and we find that socio-economically mediated impacts on suitable ranges are largely outweighed by biophysical impacts. However, by translating economic futures and shocks into spatially explicit predictions of biodiversity change, we now have the power to analyse in a consistent way outcomes for nature and people of any change to policy, regulation, trading conditions or consumption trend at any scale from sub-national to global.


2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Attaher ◽  
M. A. Medany ◽  
A. F. Abou-Hadid

Abstract. The overall agricultural system in the Nile Delta region is considered as one of the highest intensive and complicated agriculture systems in the world. According to the recent studies, the Nile Delta region is one of the highly vulnerable regions in the world to climate change. Sea level rise, soil and water degradation, undiversified crop-pattern, yield reduction, pests and disease severity, and irrigation and drainage management were the main key factors that increased vulnerability of the agriculture sector in that region. The main objective of this study is to conduct a community-based multi-criteria adaptation assessment in the Nile Delta using a preset questionnaire. A list of possible adaptation measures for agriculture sector was evaluated. The results indicated that the Nile Delta growers have strong perceptions to act positively to reduce the impacts of climate change. They reflected the need to improve the their adaptive capacity based on clear scientific message with adequate governmental support to coop with the negative impacts of climate change.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven B. Scyphers ◽  
Michael W. Beck ◽  
Kelsi L. Furman ◽  
Judy Haner ◽  
Lauren I. Josephs ◽  
...  

Coastal communities exist on the front lines of diverse natural hazards and the growing impacts of climate change. While traditional strategies for dealing with coastal hazards have often involved the hardening or armoring of shorelines, more recent research and practice have demonstrated the value and cost-effectiveness of “living shorelines” and other ecosystem-based strategies for coastal protection. To explore potential relationships among geographic exposure (waterfront vs. inland), shoreline condition (armored vs. natural), and hazard concerns, we surveyed 583 waterfront and inland residents in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We found that overall concern for coastal hazards was similar across waterfront and inland residents, as well as among residents with both armored and natural shorelines. However, concern for specific hazards differed across these groups. Waterfront residents were significantly more concerned about major hurricanes and erosion than inland residents. Conversely, inland residents were more concerned with drought and flooding than waterfront residents. Among waterfront residents, specific hazard concerns were similar between residents with natural and armored shorelines with two key exceptions. Residents with armored shorelines reported higher concern for erosion and sea level rise than residents with natural shorelines. Our results suggest that armored shorelines do not necessarily alleviate concerns about coastal hazards. In the context of balancing social and ecological objectives in addressing coastal hazards or adapting to climate change, understanding the perceptions and behaviors of coastal residents is essential for conserving and protecting coastal ecosystems along residential shorelines.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 48-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragya Khanal ◽  
Bishnu H. Wagle ◽  
Suraj Upadhaya ◽  
Prayash Ghimire ◽  
Suman Acharya

Climate change is projected to increase in vulnerable areas of the world, and marginalized communities residing in rural areas are more vulnerable to the change. The perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies made by such communities are important considerations in the design of adaptation strategies by policy-makers. We examined the most marginalized indigenous group "Chepang" communities' perceptions towards this change, variability, and their attitudes to adaptations and adapted coping measures in mid-hills of Nepal. We interviewed 155 individuals from two Chepang communities, namely, Shaktikhor and Siddhi in Chitwan district of Nepal. We also analyzed biophysical data to assess the variability. The findings showed that the Chepang community has experienced significant impacts of climate change and variability. They attributed crop disease, insect infestation, human health problem, and weather-related disaster as the impacts of climate change. Strategies they have adopted in response to the change are the use of intense fertilizers in farmland, hybrid seeds cultivation, crop diversification, etc. Local level and national level adaptation policies need to be designed and implemented as soon as possible to help climate vulnerable communities like Chepangs to cope against the impacts of climate change.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony George Puthucherril

Climate change and sea level rise are realities that are upon us and which will profoundly impact the lives and basic rights of millions of coastal residents all over the world. As the law stands both at the international and at certain national levels, the basic human rights of the climate displaced are not adequately protected. This paper identifies two possible displacement scenarios, based on the continued availability/non-availability of land in the face of sea level rise and other climate change impacts; namely, the sinking Small Island Developing States phenomeon, where land disappears and there is no surplus land to support habitation, and all other cases, where the coastal land is battered severely but it can be re-utilized through appropriate adaptation measures or even if coastal frontage land disappears there is still land available inland. On this basis, the paper proposes three possible solutions: (1) bilateral or regional treaties to facilitate resettlement of the inhabitants of sinking Small Island Developing States, (2) appropriate coastal climate change adaptation implemented via integrated coastal zone management and (3) creation of new arrangements under the international climate change regime to provide financial assistance and technological support to respond to both situations. Even though the primary focus of this paper is on coastal communities in South Asia, the lessons that it offers are relevant to other coastal contexts as well.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Kumar Roy

Developing countries are highly vulnerable to climate change [1,2]. They have less coping capacity to deal with its negative impacts. India is one of the most vulnerable countries in South Asia. It urgently requires adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with possible impacts arising from extreme weather events due to climate change. Indian cities, particularly the coastal ones, are at a comparatively greater risk as their population is likely to grow rapidly and may reach 500 million over the next 50 years [3]. The assessment of climate change impacts and adaptability both at the macro region and micro levels is necessary to create effective mitigation policies


Author(s):  
Siyanbola A. Omitoyin ◽  
Adeniyi P. Ogungbure ◽  
Kemisola D. Osakuade

The study assessed the livelihood vulnerability of fisherfolks in both coastal and freshwater fishing communities of Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo state, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 200 fisherfolks from both communities. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Livelihood Vulnerability Index data were aggregated using a composite index and differential vulnerabilities were compared. The results showed that majority of the fisherfolks from freshwater and coastal communities were below 46 years old, respondents from the freshwater communities were 95% male, 5% females while all (100%) respondents in the coastal communities were male with majority assenting to fishing as their primary occupation. The freshwater communities showed greater vulnerability on the socio-demographic profile (SDP) index than coastal communities (SDP freshwater 0.49;SDPcoastal communities 0.34). Freshwater also showed greater vulnerability on the livelihood strategies component (0.45) than coastal communities (0.40). The social networks indicators were the same for the two communities. The overall health vulnerability score for freshwater communities (0.46) was higher than that for coastal communities (0.44).  Also, the overall food vulnerability score for freshwater households (0.23) was greater than that of coastal community households (0.22). Freshwater households had a lower vulnerability score (0.03) for the water component than coastal communities (0.17). Based on the incidents of flooding, droughts, storms and erosion, households in the coastal communities (0.50) were more vulnerable to natural disasters than those in the freshwater communities (0.41). Overall, coastal communities had a higher Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) than freshwater (0.357 versus 0.356).This logical approach may be used to monitor vulnerability, programs and resources to assist fisherfolks. Also, there should be enlightenment on how to mitigate the factors enhancing climate change while good infrastructure and aids be given to those who suffer losses due to climate change impacts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-19
Author(s):  
Ozabor Famous ◽  
Wodu Douye ◽  
Pere-ere xxx ◽  
Okoh Ikechukwu Emmanuel

This study assessed climate change in Warri, by looking at the evidence from archival records and the perception of the locals regarding same topic. The dangers of ‘not knowing’ about the phenomenon of climate change motivated this study. Also, the impacts of climate change have become rampant in the area. The inquiry was pursued using ex-post facto and survey research designs were used for the study and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency was consulted for rainfall and temperature data, while questionnaire was used to solicit information from respondents. Analyses were carried out using linear regressions. Established in the study is that, there is climate change in the area and its manifestations are in flooding, increased frequency of rainfall, poor crop yield etc. On the premise of findings, the study recommended proper climate education, harnessing ICT for mitigating climate change impacts and more inquiry into climate change milieu in the area by looking at the seasonality, onset and cessation of rains and other climate parameters.


OENO One ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helder Fraga ◽  
Iñaki García de Cortázar Atauri ◽  
Aureliano C. Malheiro ◽  
José Moutinho-Pereira ◽  
João A. Santos

<p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aim:</strong> The winemaking sector in Portugal is of major socio-economic relevance, significantly contributing to the national exports and sustaining many wine-related activities, including oenotourism. Portuguese viticultural regions present a wide range of edaphoclimatic conditions with remarkable regional specificities, thus contributing to the individuality of their wines. Owing to the strong influence of climate and weather factors on grapevines, climate change may drive significant impacts on Portuguese viticulture.</p><p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods and results:</strong> Climatic projections for the next decades in Portugal highlight an overall warming and drying trend of the grapevine growing season, potentially resulting in modifications in phenology, growth, development, yields and eventually wine characteristics and typicity. Furthermore, the current viticultural suitability of each region is projected to undergo significant changes, suggesting a reshaping of the optimal conditions for viticulture throughout the country. In order to sustain high quality levels and affordable yield regularity, cost-effective, appropriate and timely adaptation measures must be implemented by the sector.</p><p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The most recent scientific studies covering the potential impacts of climate change on Portuguese viticulture are herein presented.</p><p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Significance and impact of the study:</strong> Possible adaptation measures against these threats are also discussed, foreseeing their integration into decision support systems by stakeholders and decision-makers.</p>


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