Assessing coastal vulnerability : development of a combined physical and economic index

• Main Author: Kantamaneni, Komali
• Published: University of Wales Trinity Saint David 2017
• Subjects: 333.91; GE Environmental Sciences
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.714857

As a consequence of climate change, global coastal communities are increasingly at risk from sea level rise and increased storm intensities. Therefore, to inform coastal zone management coastal vulnerability assessments with respect to present and predicted climate change scenarios is important. Most of the literature concentrates on physical, and to a lesser extent socio-economic aspects but no comparable studies detailing coastal vulnerability from both physical and economic vulnerability were found. To fill this important research gap, the current study developed a combined coastal vulnerability (physical + economic) index by integrating both a Physical Coastal Vulnerability Index (PCVI) and an Economic Coastal Vulnerability Index (ECVI). All indices were applied to eleven case study sites across the country and based on assessments, the Combined Coastal Vulnerability Index (CCVI) was validated. Subsequently, coastal areas were ranked according to their PCVI, ECVI and CCVI values. PCVI results showed that Great Yarmouth and Happisburgh have high vulnerability, contrasted against an Aberystwyth frontage that was least vulnerable. ECVI assessments showed that both Great Yarmouth and Skegness have high economic vulnerability while Spurn Head had low economic vulnerability. In total, the economic costs related to case study site vulnerability was assessed at £22.36 billion. Combined coastal vulnerability results showed that Great Yarmouth is highly vulnerable with the highest aggregated score (25) followed by Aberystwyth (21). Llanelli (16) and Lynmouth (16) were least vulnerable with respect to site CCVI. This research makes a contribution to knowledge, not just for the UK but on a global level. Each location has a unique set of conditions and economic needs, and was found to be functions of physical and economic pressures, e.g. number of properties, coastal erosion and population. Finding the most effective and sustainable solution is important and one that includes knowledge of environmental impact and socio-economic consequences. The three indices (PCVI, ECVI and CCVI) are justified as tools for planners and policy makers for developing management strategies to improve coastal resilience under scenarios of sea-level rise and climate change.