Sea-level rise and planning: retrospect and prospect

Abstract

Twenty-five years on from Graeme Pearman's review of coastal planning issues arising from climate change-induced sea-level rise, this article reviews the progress of our understanding of the scientific and geomorphological processes that are beginning to impact upon coastal communities. We outline legal and policy developments and specifically address perhaps the thorniest question facing governments – namely, how to address existing coastal developments threatened by rising sea levels. A Decision Mapping approach designed to assist local councils in analysing threats and developing policy initiatives is described.

Keywords:

• sea-level rise
• defend
• retreat
• adapt
• Decision Mapping

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the reviewers for their valuable comments and to the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the SA Local Government Association for supporting the research from which this paper is derived. The Decision Map tool is available from the author and the SA LGA.