ABSTRACT
Some human actions have a significant potential to adversely impact the future global environment. Besides environmental degradation and the quality of life, there is the possibility that global warming may increase storm frequency and intensity and alter storm paths. Due to inundation and resulting ecological changes, it is anticipated that globally, by the end of this century,
CONTENTS
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 139 4.2 Global Sea Level ......................................................................................... 142 4.3 Future SLR .................................................................................................. 145 4.4 Climate Impacts ......................................................................................... 149
4.4.1 Coastal Storms ................................................................................ 149 4.5 Response to SLR ......................................................................................... 153
4.5.1 Understanding Processes ............................................................. 153 4.5.2 Sea Level, Storm Surge, and Waves ............................................. 153 4.5.3 Shoreline Erosion ........................................................................... 155 4.5.4 Saltwater Intrusion ........................................................................ 159 4.5.5 Impacts on Estuaries and Wetlands ............................................ 161 4.5.6 Role of Coastal Structures ............................................................ 162 4.5.7 Impact on Ports .............................................................................. 163 4.5.8 Impacts on Small Islands .............................................................. 164 4.5.9 Impacts on River Deltas ................................................................ 164 4.5.10 Coastal Ecosystems ........................................................................ 165
4.6 Delta Committee Recommendations ...................................................... 166 4.7 Points to Note ............................................................................................. 168 Exercises ............................................................................................................... 170 References ............................................................................................................. 172
about one-third of the coastal wetlands will be lost and infrastructure losses will increase substantially (IPCC 2007). This scenario, coupled with rapid infrastructure development along many shores, has already set the stage for significant needed changes in technical approaches and management policies on shore habitation and resources.
