In a recent study published in the journal Nature, a team of scientists led by Mia Wannewitz, systematically assessed the literature to evaluate evidence on climate change adaptation in 199 coastal cities worldwide. Coastal cities, which are under immense heat due to the devastating impact of climate change, are under immense pressure to adapt and reduce the present and future risks for their sustainable development. Coastal cities play a crucial role in the economic growth of the country hence it is important to address the adaptation measures taken to safeguard these areas. The key findings of the study are– 1.) There is a notable disparity in the amount of coverage of adaptation and scientific attention, with low–, lower–and upper-middle-income countries being underrepresented in academic literature. 2.) The future climate scenarios for the hazards, exposure and vulnerability trends are scarce. 3.) The individuals of the lower-income groups of the coastal cities often carry the adaptation burden. In high-income groups, the government acts as a prime adaptation actor. 4.) More research on alternative and complementary adaptation measures (mixed approach) is required since the present adaptation measures are more likely based on technology-based measures such as flood barriers. 5.) In every area and economic bracket, the level of scientific adaptation techniques stays low.
The study indicates that, given the speed at which climate change is changing our environment, coastal cities’ current adaptation strategies are not transformative.
For reference-
Wannewitz, M., Ajibade, I., Mach, K.J. et al. Progress and gaps in climate change adaptation in coastal cities across the globe. Nat Cities 1, 610–619 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00106-9
