Coastal Zone - Case Studies

T H E C O A S T A L Z O N E

T H E - I M P A C T - O F - C O A S T A L - F L O O D I N G

The Maldives are a chain of islands located in the Indian ocean. There are around 1190 islands but only 199 are inhabited. The islands are only 1.5m above sea level and scientists believe that the islands will be submerged within the next 50-100 years.  

e c o n o m i c

• Loss of tourism: Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives and if the main airport can’t work properly because of flooding the country will be cut off from international tourists. This will massively reduce the country’s income.

• Disrupted fishing industry: Fish are the Maldives largest export. Flooding may damage fish processing plants, which will reduce fishing exports and eventually the country’s income.

s o c i a l

• Houses will be damaged or destroyed: Severe floods can leave entire communities homeless.

• Less freshwater available: Supplies of freshwater are already low on many of the island. If supplies are polluted with salty seawater during floods, then some islands will have to rely on rainwater or build expensive desalination plants to meet their water demands.

e n v i r o n m e n t a l

• Loss of beaches: Coastal flooding wears away beaches on the islands at a rapid rate. This destroys habitats and exposes lands behind the beach to effects of flooding.

• Loss of soil: The soil on most of the islands is shallow (about 20cm deep or less). Coastal floods couldn't easily wash away the soil layer which would mean most plant’s won't be able to grow.

p o l i t i c a l

• The Maldivian Government had to ask the Japanese Government for a $60 million loan in order to build a 3m high sea wall to protect Malé.

• Changes to environmental policies: Increased flooding is caused by rising sea levels which is caused by global warming. The Maldives have pledged to become carbon neutral so it doesn’t contribute to global warming. They are encouraging other governments to do the same.

• Changes to long term plans: The government is thinking about buying land in other countries, such as India and Australia, and moving most Maldivians there; before the islands become uninhabitable.

A N - A R E A - O F - R E C E N T - C L I F F - C O L L A P S E

The Holderness coastline is 61km long. It stretches from flamborough head to spurn head. Erosion is causing the cliffs to collapse along the coastline, and as the material is washing away, the cliff is constantly retreating. About 1.8m of land is lost every year and in some places…