Barrier Islands Are at the Forefront of Climate Change Adaptation – Eos

Coastal Systems and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Coastal systems, such as wetlands, coral reefs, and barrier islands, play a crucial role in adapting to sea-level rise. However, the effectiveness of their adaptation is dependent on various factors, including available space, sediment availability, and the health of ecosystems. It is important to consider these coastal biophysical processes to ensure sustainable development and autonomous adaptation.

Coastal Evolution Model

In two companion studies by Anarde et al. [2024a, 2024b], a coastal evolution model was developed and applied to explore the impacts of different coastal management strategies under various sea-level rise scenarios. The focus was on barrier islands, particularly those in North Carolina, United States. The authors found that building higher dunes to protect infrastructure reduces overwash, which in turn hinders the vertical growth of barrier islands. This can ultimately compromise the habitability of these islands. The research emphasizes the importance of using “appropriate complexity” coastal evolution models that capture macro-scale landform evolutions without delving into micro-scale hydrosedimentary processes.

Supporting Coastal Communities

The maturity of these models enables them to support coastal communities in their strategic coastal adaptation planning. The research also highlights the need to explore new coastal development practices that can accommodate processes like overwash. While overwash may cause short-term infrastructure damage, it can sustain coastal landforms like barrier islands in the long run.

Sustainable Development Goals

This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on climate action. By understanding the impacts of sea-level rise on coastal systems and developing effective adaptation strategies, this research contributes to the broader goal of achieving sustainable development and mitigating climate change.

Conclusion

The studies by Anarde et al. shed light on the importance of considering coastal biophysical processes in coastal management strategies. By utilizing appropriate complexity coastal evolution models, coastal communities can plan for sustainable development and adaptation to sea-level rise. This research supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes the need for innovative coastal development practices that can accommodate natural processes while ensuring long-term habitability.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the impacts of coastal development on coastal systems such as wetlands, coral reefs, and barrier islands. These systems are important for climate action (SDG 13) as they have the potential to adapt to sea-level rise. Additionally, the article mentions the need to explore new coastal development practices to sustain coastal landforms, which aligns with the goals of protecting life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• SDG 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats

The article highlights the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, such as sea-level rise, in order to protect coastal systems. This aligns with SDG 13.1. The article also emphasizes the importance of sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, which connects to SDG 14.2. Furthermore, the need for new coastal development practices that can sustain coastal landforms relates to SDG 15.5, which aims to reduce degradation of natural habitats.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of people affected by climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• Indicator for SDG 14.2: Percentage of marine and coastal areas protected
• Indicator for SDG 15.5: Rate of change in extent and condition of natural habitats

While the article does not explicitly mention indicators, we can infer potential indicators based on the identified targets. The number of people affected by climate-related hazards and natural disasters can be used as an indicator for SDG 13.1. The percentage of marine and coastal areas protected can serve as an indicator for SDG 14.2. Lastly, the rate of change in the extent and condition of natural habitats can be an indicator for SDG 15.5.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: eos.org

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