Adaptation to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

The Case Study of Coastal Communities in New Brunswick, Canada

verfasst von: Sebastian Weissenberger, Omer Chouinard

Verlag: Springer Netherlands

Buchreihe : SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

The book provides a concise and interdisciplinary outlook on the impacts of climate change on coastal areas and how coastal communities adapt to them. The first chapter analyses how sea level rise, changing ocean conditions, or increased climate variability and the socio-environmental context of the coastal zone leads to vulnerable communities. The second chapter addresses adaptation strategies and tools, and gives some examples of their application around the world. The third chapter describes participative action research projects undertaken in New Brunswick and how this community based approach has enabled communities to increase their climate resilience.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

On September 21, 2014, a massive global march took place all around the world for climate change action. The People’s Climate March (http://peoplesclimate.org) was billed as “the biggest march against climate change in the planet’s history.” Hundreds of thousands of people participated in the march from Melbourne, Australia, to Istanbul, Turkey, to London, England, to New York City. These remarkable and coordinated worldwide protests call for immediate global action on climate change. Organizers and participants in the march believe it could be a turning point in the climate change movement (http://350.org).

Daniel E. Lane

Chapter 2. The Vulnerability of Coastal Zones Towards Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Abstract

Natural and human systems of the coastal zone are vulnerable to climate change and its various consequences. One of the main impacts of climate change is sea level rise which affects coasts world wide. Ecosystems are also vulnerable to changes in water temperature and acidity, both of which have already changed notably in the world’s oceans. In many, but not all regions, the intensity of extreme weather events has increased. In addition to these, local conditions, especially winter conditions in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, are evolving and altering the natural dynamics of the coastline. All taken together, these factors lead to a generalized increase in coastal erosion rates, in added stresses for ecosystems and ultimately threats to properties, infrastructures and the livelihood of communities.

Sebastian Weissenberger, Omer Chouinard

Chapter 3. Adaptation Tools and Strategies

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change will be a necessity for coastal zones in decades and even centuries to come. Although adaptation to climate and environmental changes has been a feature of human societies since the evolution of modern humans, current challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise in a crowded and developed world are of a vaster nature of those faced by humanity before and will necessitate new approaches, new techniques and new strategies. A conceptual framework is being developed, centered on the notions of vulnerability, adaptation and resilience. Adaptation to climate change will necessitate international cooperation and coherent strategies, although solutions will need to be developed with respect to local circumstances. The main strategies—protection, accommodation, retreat and precaution, are declined in various tools of technical, scientific, legislative, administrative, social or physical nature.

Sebastian Weissenberger, Omer Chouinard

Chapter 4. Case Studies in Collaborative Action-Research Projects on Climate Adaptation in New Brunswick

Abstract

This chapter will present some case studies of collaborative action research projects on adaptation to climate change, erosion and sea level rise in coastal communities in New Brunswick. Those communities are Bathurst/Bayshore, Shippagan, Le Goulet, Cocagne, Grand-Digue and Shediac. The projects mainly involved researchers from the university of Moncton, in collaboration with other establishments. Through the case studies presented here, it will be possible for the reader to get a better idea of how the adaptation process unfolds in the chosen approach of progresses through various stages of deliberation, risk evaluation, scientific analysis, public debate, prioritisation, legislation and implementation. It will be interesting to observe how this process differs from place to place and how often very different solutions emerge from the collective deliberation process as the ideal answer depending on the geographical, socio-economic, political or historical context.

Sebastian Weissenberger, Omer Chouinard

Titel: Adaptation to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
verfasst von: Sebastian Weissenberger
Omer Chouinard
Verlag: Springer Netherlands
Electronic ISBN: 978-94-017-9888-4
Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9887-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9888-4