The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems
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Abstract
In this chapter we stress two important features of coasts and coastal ecosystems. First, these are dynamic systems which continually undergo adjustments, especially through erosion and re-deposition, in response to a range of processes. Many coastal ecosystems adjust naturally at a range of time scales and their potential for response is examined partly by reconstructing how such systems have coped with natural changes of climate and sea level in the geological past. Second, coasts have changed profoundly through the 20th Century due to the impacts of human development (such as urbanisation, port and industrial expansion, shore protection, and the draining and conversion of coastal wetlands), with these development-related drivers closely linked to a growing global population and economy. It remains a challenge to isolate the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise from either the natural trajectory of shoreline change, or the accelerated pathway resulting from other human-related stressors. There exists a danger of overstating the importance of climate change, or overlooking significant interactions of climate change with other drivers.
Suggested Citation
Woodroffe, C.D., Nicholls, R.J., Burkett, V., Forbes, D.L., 2014, The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems, chap. 6 of Oceans and human health: Implications for society and well-being, p. 141-176.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems |
| Chapter | 6 |
| ISBN | 978-1-119-94131-6 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Publisher location | Hoboken, NJ |
| Contributing office(s) | Climate and Land Use Change, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 36 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Monograph |
| Larger Work Title | Oceans and human health: Implications for society and well-being |
| First page | 141 |
| Last page | 176 |