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Coastal Hazard Wheel initiative

Coastal Hazard Wheel

The Coastal Hazard Wheel is a universal science-based classification and decision-support framework for coastal environments and associated climate hazards. It provides a globally consistent typology of coastlines, links these to multi-hazard profiles, and offers screening-level adaptation guidance. The framework is operationalised through the Coastal Hazard Wheel App, datasets, and GIS templates.

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What you can do with it

Input

  • Select a coastal location or stretch of coastline.
  • Explore information on physical coastal characteristics.
  • Access available environmental, climate and socio-economic data.
  • Use observational and climate-projection information, where available.

Output

  • Coastal classification and coastline typology
  • Multi-hazard coastal risk profiles
  • Screening-level adaptation guidance
  • Maps and graphs
  • Datasets and indicators
  • Reports and decision-support outputs

Use it to

  • Screen coastal areas for climate hazards
  • Assess coastal climate risks and vulnerabilities
  • Identify potential adaptation options
  • Support multi-hazard assessments
  • Engage stakeholders in adaptation planning
  • Inform coastal planning, management and adaptation strategies

Why is it relevant to climate adaptation

Provides a globally consistent, science-based framework for classifying coastlines and linking them to relevant hazard information and adaptation guidance. Particularly valuable where detailed modelling, data availability or technical capacity are limited.

Used in

  • Coastal adaptation and management planning
  • Multi-hazard assessments
  • Coastal master planning
  • Training and education on coastal risks
  • Local, regional and national coastal management

Metadata

User Group
Commission services and/or AgenciesTransboundary networksNational authorities
Geographic coverage
Global
Support of Adaptation Policy Cycle
Step 1: Preparing the Ground for Adaptation
Step 2: Assessing Climate Change Risks and Vulnerabilities
Step 3: Identifying Adaptation Options
Step 4: Assessing and Prioritising Adaptation Options
Step 5: Implementation
Adaptation sectors
Biodiversity protectionBuildingsBusiness and industry
Climate hazards
FloodingSea Level RiseStorms
Type of outputs
Maps and graphsReports and decision supportDatasets and indicators
Language
English, Primary language: (full technical documentation and web application interface) Core framework: Available in all 6 official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) Website access: Integrated automated translation tool for broader language support
Accessibility and usability
High

Tools sharing a sector, hazard or cycle step with this one — useful next steps for the same question.

Global Change Research Institute CAS

ClimRisk

Biodiversity protectionFloodingStep 1
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Exclusion of liability
This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.

Exclusion of liability
This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.