Climate change and coastal vulnerability assessment methods: A review

Abstract

Coastal and marine ecosystems have been threatened at local and global scales by multiple stressors - sea-level rise, rising temperatures, climate extreme events, biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. These stressors operating independently or synergistically could alter the ecosystem services while posing a significant threat to the environment, human lives and properties, as well as, result in biophysical and socio-economic losses. In this paper, we present an overview of the methods used in assessing coastal vulnerability of marine areas at local-global scales under chronic environmental stressors. Integrated and strategic methodologies that could identify, highlight and prioritise the vulnerable marine areas have been presented. The framework to assist coastal planners and managers in the conservation and management of vulnerable coastal regions and settlements from permanent inundation and loss have been suggested.