Climate Change and Its Possible Food Security Implications Toward Indonesian Marine and Fisheries

Abstract

Climate change poses special challenges for decision makers in Indonesia related to inherent uncertainties in future climate projections and the intricate relations between climate change, physical and biological systems, and food security. At present, however, coastal and marine subregions do not have the adaptive capacity needed to overcome this challenge. This paper examines the impact of climate change on food security in coastal and marine Indonesia. It aims to inform decision makers with up-to-date information about vulnerability to climate change, and to facilitate the development of adaptation strategies informed by the experience and knowledge of experts. Climate and extreme weather hazards associated with the coastal and marine sectors cover different factors but are related to sea level rise, rising coastal water temperatures, and tropical storms and hurricanes. Potential vulnerabilities for coastal zones include increased coastal erosion which causes changes in coastline, loss of coastal wetlands, and changes in fish profiles and other marine life populations. Adapting to climate change will ultimately require more systematic integration of governance strategies, science, regulatory systems, policy, and economics at an international level to deal effectively with the wide range of impacts projected for Indonesia. This integration will be shaped through formal mechanisms such as the development or modification of laws, regulations, and policies.