Author(s): K. Latu; A. Y. Shamseldin; B. Melville
Linked Author(s): Bruce W. Melville
Keywords: Coastal erosion; Pacific countries; Climate change; Traditional knowledge
Abstract: The Pacific Countries are recognized internationally as being among the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The region is home to 22 diverse countries, which share a dependence upon the ocean for food and economic development. These areas are exposed to sea-based threats, including chronic risks associated with climate change and acute dangers from extreme weather events. Natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and tsunamis often impact the economies and populations of these small countries. The rising sea level threatens all atolls and coastal settlements due to increased coastal erosion. The proximity of people living by the coast is 25% within 1 km and 90% within 5. The populations of atoll nations such as Tokelau and Tuvalu have 100% residing within 1 km of the sea. Living close to the coast reflects the culture, traditional beliefs and dependence of the Pacific people on the ocean and inland waters for subsistence living when first settling in the islands. Regional impacts of climate change in coastal areas are dominated by increased flooding and erosion from storm wave extremes. This is what happened to Tonga during the tsunami in January 2022, where the waves eroded large areas in Tongatapu and other islands. Coastal inundation events damage infrastructure and property, leading to economic loss, service disruption and increased risk to lives. Forecasts of the timing and magnitude of coastal hazards allow engineers to design appropriate responses in advance to reduce risk significantly. Coastal analyses provide the foundation of integrated risk analysis and exposure to sea-based threats. This paper initiates a discussion on the coastal erosion that affected areas in the Pacific Countries. It aims to seek adequate approaches applied in developed countries that can be adopted in the region but with the integration of traditional knowledge. The paper will demonstrate the current ad-hoc approaches in the region and seek to define a framework for the Pacific Countries to counter coastal erosion.
Year: 2024