Abstract
Coastal areas are among the world's most vulnerable landscapes to impacts related to climate change, including inundation from sea-level rise (SLR), increased exposure to shoreline erosion, and greater frequency and intensity of storms. The status of research on the physical, ecological, and socio-economic effects of vulnerability to SLR and progress toward planning for its consequences varies from region to region worldwide. Here, we synthesize the results of three decades of SLR research and the development of coastal management policies in North Carolina, USA. We identify the major factors responsible for opening new policy 'windows' that address SLR, including how stakeholders have developed an increased understanding of the risks, the extent of public dialogue about potential response strategies, and advances in political receptivity to policy change. Research and policy progress in North Carolina continue to provide a model for other regions to help guide and evaluate the development of coastal policies. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 147-153 |
| Journal | Ocean and Coastal Management |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].Funding
We would like to acknowledge financial support from the North Carolina Sea Grant Program, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NGT5-30472), the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Geological Survey.
