Managing Future Threats

Question 1

What are the features of sustainable coastal management?

Answer 1

-Environmental impact needs to be fully evaluated.
-Waste in coastal environments needs to be minimised.
-Everyone affected by developments needs to be involved in decision making.
-New economic developments should provide benefits for the local community.
-Over-exploitation of resources must be avoided.
-Work with physical processes.
-Adaption to future threats.

Question 2

How does managed retreat work?

Answer 2

Areas are set aside for the sea to flood/erode. Eg, former salt marshes that are now farmland may be allowed to flood again.

Question 3

What are the benefits of managed retreat?

Answer 3

-Can avoid the construction/maintenance costs of hard engineering.
-Can extend valuable natural ecosystems.
-An adaption response to sea level rise.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of managed retreat?

Answer 4

-Reqiures thr agreement of affected landowners and property owners.
-May only be a medium-term solution if sea levels continue to rise further.
-Defences often need to be constructed around the edge of the flooded area to protect properly.

Question 5

What are 3 adaption strategies to prevent flooding?

Answer 5

-Restoring mangroves which are effective against storm surges, boost fish numbers and benefit local communities.
-Zoning areas of the coast threatened by sea level rise to prevent further development there.
-Elevating critical infrastructure to protect them from flooding.