Impact of Sea Level Rise and Unpredicted Precipitation Events on the Indian Western Coastal Region
摘要
The rapid growth of urban areas is causing significant changes in the environment. Consequently, this urbanization is resulting in various environmental impacts such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, anthropogenic heat, modifications in land surfaces. These changes are disrupting the water budget and energy balance, resulting in a number of consequences of climate change. These consequences include more frequent heat waves due to the Urban Heat Island effect, flash floods due to increased intensity and frequency of unpredictable precipitation events, economic and environmental losses due to more frequent and intense unforeseen events, rising sea levels due to global warming, storm surges, etc. Unplanned urban areas are especially susceptible to these hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately measure and evaluate these changes to enable the implementation of suitable measures and policies to reduce the potential impacts on vulnerable communities and ecosystems. According to the analysis by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, coastal regions are particularly at risk due to these alterations. This chapter examines the threat posed to coastal areas due to sea level rise and unpredicted precipitation with a primary focus on the Western coastal region of India. This region is distinguished by its unique cultural, ecological, and economic significance. Stretching along the Arabian Sea for approximately 1600 km, it encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems, including mangroves, estuaries, and coral reefs. Additionally, it is home to major cities, crucial ports, and numerous fishing communities, rendering it pivotal from both an ecological and economic standpoint. Hence, comprehending its vulnerability to rising sea levels is paramount for regional planning and sustainable development. This chapter delves into a thorough analysis of the proportion of areas at risk due to increasing sea levels and unpredicted precipitation events. It investigates sea level rise and precipitation predictions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), considering various scenarios based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and different levels of global warming, specifically within the Indian Western coastal region. This data forms the basis for quantifying the potential extent of sea level rise and its implications for the Western coastal region. The analysis indicates that approximately 15% of the Western coastal region will experience impacts from rising sea levels by the year 2100. Furthermore, the analysis incorporates a range of potential scenarios for future development and global climate change, as outlined in the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, presenting a spectrum of potential outcomes. Recognizing the sensitivity of coastal ecosystems, this chapter emphasizes the importance of studying and implementing appropriate policies. It explores nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of sea level rise and unpredicted precipitation events, concluding with a focus on policies suitable for coastal areas.