Coastal Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise: Mapping Risk and Resilience

Abstract

Coastal zones are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of sea-level rise, which poses significant risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human settlements. Rising sea levels, accelerated by climate change and global warming, threaten low-lying coastal regions through erosion, saltwater intrusion, storm surges, and permanent inundation. This study emphasizes the importance of mapping risk and resilience as a tool for identifying hotspots of vulnerability and prioritizing adaptive strategies. By integrating geospatial techniques, socio-economic assessments, and climate modeling, the research highlights how exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity vary across coastal communities. It further demonstrates that resilience depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on social preparedness, governance frameworks, and sustainable development planning. Understanding the spatial patterns of vulnerability allows policymakers, planners, and communities to develop context-specific strategies to mitigate risks and build resilience. This research underscores that proactive adaptation and risk-mapping are crucial for safeguarding coastal regions against the accelerating challenges of sea-level rise.