Sea level change and its implications

Coasts concentrate large and growing populations and economies, and valuable habitats and ecosystems. They are also changing rapidly due to multiple biophysical and socio-economic drivers (e.g., sediment starvation or urbanisation). This includes global (and relative) sea-level rise (SLR) which leads to higher extreme sea levels (and flooding), coastal erosion, and salinisation, threatening all human uses, livelihoods and habitats. There are several adaptation strategies (e.g. protection, accommodation, retreat, advance) and processes to manage this challenge. SLR adaptation should take a stakeholder/practitioner perspective to understand and address the problem, and an integrated perspective which addresses other stresses and promotes resilient coasts. SLR is a long-term issue and adaptation needs will continue to grow, indicating the need for a multi-step adaptation pathway approach. In addition to technical dimensions, adaptation requires appropriate institutional capacity and commitment. This chapter reviews and evaluates current efforts and needs in coastal adaptation to SLR.