Developing a Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Coastal City Sustainability, Mitigation, and Adaptation: A Case Study of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Milad Bagheri,Shahabaldin Rezania,Bahareh Oryani,Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat,Mohd Fadzil Akhir,Zelina Zaiton Ibrahim,Amin Beiranvand Pour,Isabelle D Wolf

doi:10.3390/land10111271

Abstract

Coastal hazards are an urgent issue of global concern considering the increasing population pressure in coastal regions, retreating coastlines, and rising seawater levels. Here we demonstrate the process of assessing the vulnerability of a coastal urban environment using the case of Kuala Terengganu, a coastal town in Malaysia, and evaluating the potential social, environmental, and economic impacts. Uncertainties in the human dimensions of global change deeply affect the assessment and responses to environmental, climatic, and non-climate impacts on coastal city population growth and communities. We address these uncertainties by combining a Delphi-Analytical Hierarchy Process (Delphi-AHP) model and Geographic Information System (GIS)tools to determine mitigation and adaptation probabilities as part of a Coastal City Vulnerability Assessment. We conclude by presenting calculations of the short- and long-term suitability for land use and recommending hazard mitigation measures to equip city planners and decision-makers in evaluating hazards and potential impacts on coastal city areas.

Highlights

The qualitative component consisted of the vulnerability index, environmental criteria, and criteria relating to human activities, with each criterion having sub-criteria (Table 2)
Criteria and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to evaluate the vulnerability of the Kuala Terengganu coastal area in Malaysia to erosion
We presented vulnerability maps highlighting impacts on the coastal city that would potentially be caused by environmental factors

Summary

Introduction

Uncertainties in the human dimensions of global change deeply affect the assessment and responses to environmental, climatic, and non-climate impacts on coastal city population growth and communities. We address these uncertainties by combining a Delphi-Analytical Hierarchy. Knowledge of the vulnerability of coastal cities enables scientists and policymakers to anticipate impacts that could emerge from rising sea levels, floods, erosion, and other hazards [2]. This helps with prioritizing measures to minimize risks and mitigate impacts.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion