Heidelberger Geographische Gesellschaft e.V.
Dienstag, 21. Mai 2024, 19:15 Uhr
Prof. Athanasios Vafeidis (Universität Kiel)
Rising sea levels - global impacts & local responses
Rising sea levels constitute a significant threat for coastal areas as they can exacerbate the impacts of coastal hazards such as storm surges and coastal erosion. Although mitigation is essential for reducing the rate of sea-level rise (SLR), adaptation will be necessary as sea level is expected to continue rising for centuries, even under drastic emission reductions. Meanwhile, socio-economic development in coastal regions far exceeds inland development, thus leading to increasing risk along the world’s coastal regions. The extent of potential impacts will be significant, but uncertainties related to the rate and total amount of SLR as well as to how coastal societies will respond, pose difficulties in their assessment. We present the results of studies at different scales, global to local; critically evaluate the results and associated limitations and uncertainties; and discuss how these findings can assist adaptation planning and decision making.
© A. Vafeidis
