| According to Climate Change 2001 report by one of the IPCC working group, there are many possible impacts, adaptation and vulnerability that could result due to various level of sea level rise. As such, this project wishes to serves as an platform for further exploration of issues listed below:
Saline intrusion into reservoirs and rivers
Rising sea level increases the salinity of both surface water and ground water through salt water intrusion where it pushes salty water upstream, then the existing water intakes might draw on salty water during dry periods. These salinity increases in estuaries can harm aquatic plants and animals that do not tolerate high salinity (about how rising sea level can reduce mangrove area). An example of such study is found for Mekong Delta in Vietnam. More info.
Impacts on biodiversity
Coastal wetland ecosystems, such as salt marshes and mangroves are particularly vulnerable to rising sea level because they are generally within a few feet of sea level (IPCC, 2007). Wetlands provide habitat for many species, play a key role in nutrient uptake, serve as the basis for many communities’ economic livelihoods, provide recreational opportunities, and protect local areas from flooding. Thus, coastal flora and fauna are the most vulnerable to the rising sea level and studies have been done in Vietnam and West Africa (Armah, A. K. et al, 2005).
Redevelopment policies
Social and natural sustainability are important for sustainable development of human settlements, and that includes coping with flooding and drought; getting potable water, breathable air, and a stable environment. Thus, a climate change, or consequently a sea level change, would simply add to the challenge whereby there could be increased risk of inundation of coastal settlements from average (higher) sea levels (IPCC, 2001). Such development policies have already been drawn up for several coastal states of United States such as California, Maine and the Rhode Island.
Possible health impacts from rise of sea level
Health impacts associated with population displacement fall under two general categories: health impacts resulting from the new ecological environment and health impacts resulting from the living environment in refugee camps (IPCC, 2001). More info.
Flood risk mapping
According to Environment Agency in United Kingdom, flash flood that occurs frequently in U.K. is actually 30 times more costly than getting burgled. As such, they provide flood mapping services for different places in U.K. and this similar idea could be extended to coastal regions at risk due to global sea level rise. More info.
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