Coastal vulnerability and progress in climate change adaptation: An Australian case study

Abstract

Coastal areas in South East Queensland (SEQ) are exposed to coastal hazards and climate change and Local Governments are responding to these threats by developing a range of strategies for adaptation. Here we show the results of a spatial vulnerability assessment for SEQ’s coastal region and use them as the basis to assess progress in adaptation in five coastal Local Government areas. An integrated framework based on external (exposure) and internal (sensitivity and adaptive capacity) dimensions is used to produce one single index to provide a measure of SEQ’s vulnerability to coastal hazards. Coastal Local Governments’ progress in adaptation is evaluated based on a semi-quantitative assessment of pre-determined Adaptation Functions adapted to the SEQ context. The assessment reveals information specifically relevant for adaptation investment at the local government level. It is concluded that the five coastal Local Governments analysed have considerable capacity to deal with coastal hazards. However, there are numerous coastal suburbs that are highly vulnerable and this is mainly, due to the fact that the majority of the SEQ coastal region is intrinsically highly exposed and sensitive to climatic drivers. We argue that this vulnerability can be reduced if Local Governments continue to further their progress in adaptation through coastal planning and management frameworks.