Coastal Climate Change – Protecting and adapting maritime regions

In the Baltic Sea region, especially along its southern shorelines, comprehensive coastal protection schemes are in place. They provide, up to certain safety standards, protection against flooding and erosion. It is obvious that climate change induced sea level rise and higher storm surge water levels will challenge these standards and, therewith, the safety of the inhabitants. Adaptation measures are necessary. As it may take decades before negative impacts of stronger sea level rise become evident, there still is time to develop appropriate adaptation strategies.
Against the background of climate change and its hydrological consequences, sustainable and integrated coastal risk management (ICRM) strategies should, complementary to technical measures, consider other options like regional and urban planning as well as disaster management. Flood-proof housing and information campaigns are good examples. Recognizing the outstanding natural values and functions of our coasts, the ICRM strategies should follow the principles of minimal ecological interferences and working with nature. This report present a number of research projects like BaltCICA and RADOST taking up the challenge to develop holistic and sustainable adaptation strategies for the Baltic Sea region and beyond.