2. Opportunities, Tensions and Risks for Coastal Cities

This chapter reviews possible future trends, opportunities, tensions and risks for coastal cities. Backbones of both sea and land dynamics and functions, marine and maritime cities can generate and enhance precious synergies among their diverse resources and interacting ecosystems and serve as bridges among the hinterland, and, through the maritime routes, faraway lands. To advance towards sustainable development, coastal cities have to enhance all aspects of their unique urban capital, natural and physical, on land and water, human, intellectual and social, cultural and political, financial and constructed, as strong sustainability requires all forms of urban capital to be preserved, strengthened and transmitted to future generations. Climate change, subsidence and excessive population growth and socio-economic change are important risks, especially for low-elevated zones, but coastal cities count on the very diverse assets which, if sustainably managed, can help them address the challenges of the future. The chapter invites the reader on a journey to urban shores of some of the world seas, highlights strengths and vulnerabilities, and a multitude of possible actions, promises and perils.