Considering socio-political framings when analyzing coastal climate change effects can prevent maldevelopment on small islands

authored by: C. Gabriel David, Arne Hennig, Beate M.W. Ratter, Volker Roeber, Zahid, Torsten Schlurmann
Abstract: Adapting to climate change and sea level rise is challenging on small islands. False adaptation can lead to adverse impacts on natural and societal dynamics. Therefore, an interdisciplinary perspective on the interaction of natural dynamics, societal demands, and political decisions is crucial. In this sense, this study scrutinizes coastal processes and socio-political dimensions of erosion on the reef island Fuvahmulah, the Maldives. The national government and Fuvahmulah’s population have an opposed perception and attribution of the drivers and processes behind Fuvahmulah’s most pressing coastal issue – coastal erosion. To review these perceptions, natural dynamics are recreated with process-based methods and discussed regarding present and projected marine pressures. Population surveys and interviews with actors in coastal development complement the physical insights into erosion on Fuvahmulah and describe the socio-political dimension of climate change adaptation on small islands. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how small-islands’ adaptive capacities are typically impaired and disclose the potential of local knowledge to overcome maldevelopment.
Organisation(s): Ludwig-Franzius-Institute of Hydraulics, Estuarine and Coastal Engineering
External Organisation(s): Universität Hamburg
Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research
Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS)
Type: Article
Journal: Nature Communications
Volume: 12
ISSN: 2041-1723
Publication date: 07.10.2021
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Chemistry, General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology, General Physics and Astronomy
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26082-5 (Access: Open)