Geography Physical 2

Question 1

Why are traditional approaches to managing the coast more important than sustainable approaches in dealing with the impacts of climate change?

Answer 1

1. Hard engineering defenses such as sea walls will eventually be overcome by sea level rise however they defend areas of high economic growth such as Barton on Sea. This means we need to increase the height and strength of the sea wall as this traditional approach protects Barton on Sea and its residence.
2. Naish Farm is also a caravan park whereby managed retreat is a very effective traditional approach in dealing with the impacts of climate change as it is of low economic worth hence managed retreat is effective in dealing with the impacts of climate change
3. Also more powerful storms due to climate change will lead to faster eroding coastlines hence why traditional approaches such as gabions to slow down this rate of erosion. This protects farmers land and residents from the impacts of climate change.
4. Structural reinforcment of cliffs is also a traditional approach which needs to be used along the Jurassic coast to deal with the impacts of climate change. Recently 4000 tones came away from a cliff in Dorset which is the largest rockfall seen in 60 years on this strech of coast. Reinforcing cliffs will reduce the numbers of rockfalls due to increased exreme weather events eroding the cliffs rapidly giving them extra support