The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal cities worldwide, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing climatic patterns exerting profound effects on urban environments. This abstract provides a concise overview of the key aspects of the impact of climate change on coastal cities, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities, challenges, and potential adaptation strategies. The rising global temperatures and melting ice caps contribute to a gradual but relentless increase in sea levels, threatening coastal cities with inundation and erosion. This process exacerbates the risk of storm surges and flooding, posing immediate dangers to infrastructure, human settlements, and ecosystems along the coast. Additionally, changing precipitation patterns and the intensification of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and typhoons, further compound the risks faced by coastal communities. The socio-economic consequences of climate change on coastal cities are vast, affecting industries like fisheries, tourism, and shipping. Displacement of populations due to sea-level rise and extreme weather events places added strain on urban infrastructure and social systems. Furthermore, the compounding effects of climate change contribute to the degradation of ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the services they provide to coastal cities.