Embedding the value of coastal ecosystem services into climate change adaptation planning

Abstract

Coastal habitats, such as salt marshes and dune systems, can protect communities from hazards by reducing coastline exposure. However, these critical habitats and their diverse ecosystem services are threatened by coastal development and the impacts from a changing climate. Ever increasing pressure on coastal habitats calls for coastal climate adaptation efforts that mitigate or adapt to these pressures in ways that maintain the integrity of coastal landscapes. An important challenge for decisionmakers is determining the best mitigation and adaptation strategies that not only protect human lives and property, but also safeguard the ability of coastal habitats to provide a broad suite of benefits. Here, we present a potential pathway for local-scale climate change adaptation planning through the identification and mapping of natural habitats that provide the greatest benefits to coastal communities. The methodology coupled a coastal vulnerability model with a climate adaptation policy assessment in an effort to identify priority locations for nature-based solutions that reduce vulnerability of critical assets using feasible land-use policy methods. Our results demonstrate the critical role of natural habitats in providing the ecosystem service of coastal protection in California. We found that specific dune habitats play a key role in reducing erosion and inundation of the coastline and that several wetland areas help to absorb energy from storms and provide a protective service for the coast of Marin county, California, USA. Climate change and adaptation planning are globally relevant issues in which the scalability and transferability of solutions must be considered. This work outlines an iterative approach for climate adaptation planning at a local-scale, with opportunity to consider the scalability of an iterative science-policy engagement approach to regional, national, and international levels.

Vulnerability of sea turtle nesting sites to erosion and inundation: A decision support framework to maximize conservation

“…adaptations, the rate of present-day climate change is much greater than historical change and remains a key threat to the continued viability of sea turtle populations globally (Fuentes et al, 2011;Hamann et al, 2007;Patrício et al, 2021). Although many studies have used the InVEST Coastal Vulnerability Model (e.g., Arkema et al, 2013;Onat et al, 2018;Wedding et al, 2022;Zhang et al, 2021), or a similar index-based approach (e.g., Pantusa et al, 2018;Pendleton et al, 2004), to examine the broadscale coastal vulnerability of human populations and their infrastructure, relatively few studies have considered coastal species and their nesting habitats (see de Vos et al, 2019;Von Holle et al, 2019). Using the InVEST model, we found that, while vulnerability varied across nesting beaches, vulnerability was generally higher for beaches with more nesting activity.…”

Soluções Baseadas na Natureza para a adaptação ao aumento do nível do mar: uma revisão sistemática

“…Tal destaque nas produções estadunidenses pode ser justificado pelas sérias repercussões em curso nas áreas costeiras metropolitanas (KARAMOUZ, ZOGHI, MAHMOUDI, 2022). Para Wedding et al (2022), essa pressão cada vez maior sobre os habitats costeiros exige esforços de adaptação e mitigação para proteger vidas e propriedades humanas.…”

“…Os resultados da análise indicaram que os centros urbanos podem ter perdido grandes porções de habitats costeiros naturais devido à urbanização e fatores como a mudança no fluxo natural da água, poluição e introdução de espécies exótica. Wedding et al (2022) determinaram o papel do habitat natural na redução da exposição à erosão e inundação no condado de Marin, Califórnia, utilizando um modelo de vulnerabilidade costeira (InVEST). Os autores realizaram a modelagem de serviços ecossistêmicos para determinar o papel do habitat natural na proteção costeira, identificando quais destes devem ser priorizados para restauração a fim de reduzir o risco para as pessoas, propriedades e para os próprios ecossistemas.…”

Factors influencing the spatiotemporal variation in the value of ecosystem services in Anxi county

“…Furthermore, assessment of the value of ecosystem services can help in the preservation of natural resources [ 5 ]. Ecosystem services are of paramount importance in adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change [ 6 ]. Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide, regulating local and regional climates, and minimizing the likelihood of natural disasters [ 3 ].…”