Sea level rise

Canvi climàtic

RISKS DESCRIPTION

The sea level is the average level of the surface of the sea, the midpoint between the high and low tide levels. The rising of the sea level may have a considerable impact on coastal populations, in addition to natural environments and marine ecosystems. It is estimated that for each degree of temperature increase, the sea level will rise by approximately 2.3 metres.

According to a global projection, the sea level is predicted to rise by 26 to 77 cm by 2100. This will result in major changes to Catalonia’s coastline. The consequences of this rise will be exacerbated by erosion phenomena. The coast is receding by 60 to 90 cm every year and a 50% reduction in the surface area of the beaches is expected.

Areas like the Ebro Delta could completely disappear. El Montsià, El Baix Ebre, El Tarragonès and El Baix Penedès are the regions most susceptible to an increase in the length of vulnerable stretches of coastline.
In places like La Barceloneta, the best-case scenario is the loss of the entire beach and the worst-case scenario is the flooding of its residential area.
In certain areas, although not extensively, the wave conditions could change, generating an increase in sea agitation.
Finally, mobility infrastructure located very close to the coast, such as the roads between Tarragona and Mataró, could be affected by flooding.

HEALH EFFECTS

The effects on health result directly in risks for users of beach areas. Restaurants and other services located next to the sea will be directly affected as there will be an immediate risk of flooding due to the increased frequency of extraordinary waves and storms. Yachts, small vessels, swimmers and other users of the coast would be affected by the unpredictability of marine conditions.

From the economic perspective, this could generate an impact on local activities related to the use of the beach.

OBJECTIVE

General

Identify the actual risks and propose adaptation and/or resilience measures in accordance with the increase in the sea level. Ensure the safety of the affected areas, increase the control level and offer alternatives to the services that would be affected.

Specific

Make safety improvements in relation to possible rises in the sea level of coastal areas.

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Incorporate the risks inherent to possible changes in the sea level into urban and sectoral planning and regulate uses and activities accordingly.
Ensure there are limits on construction close to the coast within urban planning regulations.
Design alternative traffic routes in areas close to the sea.
Foster alternative mobility solutions like cycling.
Transform areas close to sea so they are restricted to non-intensive and non-permanent uses.