Module 6: Impacts on the Societies and Economics of Coastal Regions

Overview

As you discovered in Unit One and the previous modules in this unit, the developed regions of the world are located in places with quite diverse geologic origins. Some regions developed on continental crust with extensive upland areas away from the coasts. Other populated regions are located on land masses that are low-lying, such as river deltas; while others, including many island nations of volcanic origin (i.e., atoll nations, volcanic island chains like Hawaii, etc.) or others, like the Bahamas in the Atlantic, or the Maldives in the Indian Ocean were developed on low lying, but exposed coral reefs that formed during former sea level high stands. Prone to numerous coastal processes, these islands and their populations are among the most at risk today, because they don't have high ground to which residents can relocate to as their island nations become ever more flooded.

In this module, we will explore several case studies of communities located in places that are particularly exposed to the coastal hazards of sea level rise, tropical storms, tsunamis, and shoreline change. We will consider the complex questions related to how a community, whether it is a small neighborhood on an island in the Philippines, or a large city such as New York, can address the risks associated with these hazards. Is it better to rebuild in the same location after a devastating typhoon wipes out your neighborhood, or should you pick up and move? What does moving entail? You will consider this and other difficult questions related to coastal hazards and natural phenomena such a storms and sea level rise.

In the following case studies, you will explore the experiences of a selection of coastal areas that are experiencing the effects of coastal hazards. You will then use the information gained to develop ideas for how coastal communities should respond.

• Goals and Objectives
• Case Studies
• Paying for Flood Damage
• Assessments
• Summary and Final Tasks