ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the geomorphology of the Brazilian coast and the impending impacts of continued climate change on cities like Rio de Janeiro. Projected sea-level rise may be compounded by other geological forces, such as subsidence, and shifting gravitational forces due to glacial melting will likely result in catastrophic impacts along Rio’s beachfront communities. The historical and ecological contexts presented in this chapter illustrate the critical planning challenges that face many coastal cities worldwide.
