ABSTRACT
Coastal zones are particularly susceptible to climate change as they are subject to several different, and often reinforcing, physical and biological climate-related impacts. These include sea level rise, higher risks of exposure to extreme events (such as intense storms, storm surges, and flooding), salt contamination of freshwater resources, and climate-related changes to marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Humans are also vulnerable to coastal zone changes as one-quarter of the world’s population resides within 100 km distance and 100 m elevation of the coastline, with significant increases in the number of people living in coastal regions expected over the next half century.1 Many of the world’s major cities and industrial facilities are located on the coast.
