The impacts of rising seas represent a pressing challenge for Europe’s coastal regions. Even lower-end sea level rise projections foreshadow significant threats to vulnerable communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. As climate change accelerates, developing robust adaptation strategies has become crucial for safeguarding the continent’s lengthy and diverse shorelines.
The Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise (KH-SLR), a joint initiative by JPI Climate and JPI Oceans, aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and coastal policy by providing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary assessment of sea level rise in Europe. By synthesizing the latest observations, modeling insights, and adaptation measures, the KH-SLR offers an evidence-based foundation to support regional and local decision-makers in their efforts to enhance coastal resilience.
Sea Level Rise Trends and Projections
The latest climate science paints a concerning picture for Europe’s coastlines. Global mean sea level has risen by around 20 centimeters since the start of the 20th century, driven by a combination of ocean warming, ice sheet and glacier melt, and land water storage changes. Regionally, observed trends show significant variations, with some areas experiencing accelerated rises due to oceanographic factors and land subsidence.
Looking ahead, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that global sea levels could increase by 0.28 to 1.01 meters by the end of this century, depending on future greenhouse gas emission pathways. For Europe specifically, researchers anticipate the largest rises in the northeast Atlantic, North Sea, and Mediterranean regions, potentially exceeding 1 meter in localized hotspots.
Coastal Vulnerability Assessments
These rising seas pose a multitude of threats to Europe’s coastal communities and ecosystems. Permanent inundation of low-lying areas, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources emerge as pressing concerns. Additionally, sea level rise can amplify the impacts of storm surges and compound flooding, jeopardizing critical infrastructure and economic activities.
Comprehensive vulnerability assessments, integrating physical, ecological, and socioeconomic factors, are essential for identifying high-risk zones and prioritizing adaptation measures. The KH-SLR has compiled detailed regional analyses, drawing on a diverse range of data sources, including the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Copernicus Marine Service, and the European Environment Agency.
Adaptation Strategies and Measures
In response to these multifaceted challenges, the KH-SLR has catalyzed the development of a robust portfolio of adaptation strategies and policy frameworks at national, regional, and local levels across Europe. These proactive efforts encompass a spectrum of approaches, from nature-based solutions like wetland restoration to engineered coastal defenses and land-use planning.
Importantly, the KH-SLR emphasizes the need for integrated, cross-sectoral approaches that align adaptation with broader sustainability goals. This includes consideration of ecosystem services, blue-green infrastructure, and community engagement to ensure the long-term viability and equitable distribution of coastal resilience measures.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The KH-SLR’s strength lies in its ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists, policymakers, and coastal management practitioners. By convening workshops, conferences, and webinars, the initiative has facilitated a continuous dialogue, enabling the co-creation of actionable science to support effective decision-making.
Leveraging Existing Research Networks
The KH-SLR builds on the extensive expertise and resources of existing European research networks, such as the European Climate Research Alliance (ECRA), the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This strategic alignment ensures that the KH-SLR’s activities are well-integrated with ongoing efforts, maximizing the impact and reach of its scientific outputs.
Transdisciplinary Approaches to Adaptation
Recognizing the inherent complexity of sea level rise, the KH-SLR has adopted a transdisciplinary approach, integrating natural and social sciences to address the multifaceted challenges. This holistic perspective encompasses not only the physical processes driving sea level changes but also the socioeconomic and governance dimensions of adaptation planning and implementation.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange
A central tenet of the KH-SLR is the commitment to capacity building and knowledge exchange across Europe’s coastal regions. By facilitating the sharing of best practices, data, and innovative solutions, the initiative aims to empower local and regional stakeholders in their efforts to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity.
Coastal Resilience and Sustainability
The KH-SLR’s vision extends beyond mere adaptation to sea level rise, recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach that aligns with broader sustainability objectives. This includes the integration of nature-based solutions, blue-green infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives to create resilient, ecologically vibrant, and socially inclusive coastal environments.
Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Protection
Alongside traditional engineered defenses, the KH-SLR champions the use of nature-based solutions to enhance coastal resilience. This includes the restoration and enhancement of wetlands, mangroves, and living shorelines, which not only provide physical protection but also deliver a wealth of ecosystem services and habitat benefits.
Integrating Adaptation with Mitigation Efforts
The KH-SLR underscores the importance of aligning sea level rise adaptation strategies with broader climate change mitigation efforts. By embracing a systems-level perspective, the initiative fosters the integration of adaptation measures with initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Community Engagement and Participatory Planning
Recognizing the vital role of local communities in coastal management, the KH-SLR has placed strong emphasis on participatory planning processes and community engagement. This inclusive approach ensures that adaptation strategies are tailored to the unique needs, values, and priorities of diverse stakeholders, promoting equitable and sustainable outcomes.
Enabling Policy and Governance Frameworks
The KH-SLR’s efforts to address sea level rise in Europe have been closely aligned with the development of robust policy and governance frameworks at the EU, national, and regional levels. These enabling frameworks facilitate the implementation of adaptation measures and foster cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
EU-level Policies and Initiatives
At the European Union level, the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change and the European Green Deal provide a strategic foundation for addressing sea level rise and building coastal resilience. The KH-SLR’s outputs directly inform the development and refinement of these overarching policy initiatives.
National and Regional Adaptation Planning
Complementing the EU-level frameworks, the KH-SLR has actively engaged with national and regional authorities to support the development of comprehensive coastal adaptation plans. This collaborative effort ensures that the scientific insights and best practices generated by the KH-SLR are effectively integrated into decision-making processes at the local level.
Bridging the Science-Policy-Practice Divide
A key priority for the KH-SLR is to bridge the gap between scientific research, policymaking, and on-the-ground coastal management practices. By fostering continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange, the initiative aims to enhance the usability and uptake of its scientific outputs, ultimately empowering coastal communities to take proactive steps towards enhancing their resilience.
The Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise (KH-SLR) represents a pivotal initiative in Europe’s ongoing efforts to address the pressing challenge of sea level rise. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering knowledge sharing, and enabling robust policy frameworks, the KH-SLR is poised to play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for Europe’s coastlines.
