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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.
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
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