Examining Large-Scale Interactions between Hazards, Exposure, and Vulnerability in Coastal Built Environments

Abstract

Coastal areas stand out as the most densely populated and economically active regions on the planet, with growth rates surpassing those of inland areas. Yet, the conversion of natural coastlines into human-modified built environments carries significant implications. Coastal landscapes are inherently dynamic, continuously changing their shape and location, especially in response to rising sea levels. This ongoing transformation exposes coastal communities and their built environments to various natural hazards, which are often exacerbated by anthropogenic activities. Human-made structures and modifications to natural land formations, particularly those intended to protect these areas, have a profound impact on the morphology of the coast and its natural processes. These changes, in turn, give rise to dynamics that fundamentally differ from those observed in natural settings. In most developed coasts, human alterations are so extensive that coastlines no longer adhere to natural behaviors. Instead, they have evolved into complex human-landscape systems, where human actions and landscape changes are intricately intertwined. This interdependence between the human and natural components of the system leads to unexpected dynamics that unfold over extended periods, often resulting in self-reinforcing feedbacks that amplify coastal risk and its associated costs. The present thesis explores empirical signatures of the interplay between natural hazards and the physical and socio-economic characteristics of coastal built environment at large spatial scales, using only publicly available data. Its main objective is to bridge theory with data to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping coastal risk and offer insights into the implications and consequences of these interconnected factors for coastal communities. By enhancing our comprehension of the multifaceted nature of coastal risk, this work underscores the critical need for thoughtful and informed decision-making in the formulation of strategies for effective coastal risk reduction.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Sofia Nadime Aldabet Munoz: orcid.org/0000-0002-6822-8330

ORCID for Eli Lazarus: orcid.org/0000-0003-2404-9661

ORCID for Emma Tompkins: orcid.org/0000-0002-4825-9797

Catalogue record

Export record