Using GIS and Climate Risks Information to Analyze the Vulnerability of Coastal Counties in Louisiana and Mississippi

Edmund C Merem,Chandra Richardson,Daphine Foster,Sudha Yeramilli,Yaw Twumasi

doi:10.5923/j.re.20120201.01

Abstract

This research assesses the vulnerability of coastal areas in the South eastern states of Mississippi and Louisi- ana using climate risk information. Emphasis is on the issues, and evaluation of the trends. In terms of methods, the paper uses GIS and descriptive statistics to map the trends. In the last several years, climate change impact continues to be felt in the Southeast especially the coastal zones. It has been predicted by scientists that many people could be affected by the impact of climate change risks in the Southeast coastal zones mostly from storms, high and extreme temperatures and oth- ers. As one of the most sensitive and vulnerable systems, coastal zones' areas of concern include sea level rise, land loss, frequency of maritime storms, flooding and responses to sea level rise. Addressing the challenges associated with the threats of climate change in coastal areas of Mississippi and Louisiana, requires periodic assessment of the risks using geo- graphic information systems. Without access to sufficient climate risk information management tools to measure the pre- cise vulnerability of coastal zones areas, the ability of emergency managers and cities to mitigate the dangers posed to in- frastructure, human lives and the economy will be diminished. The results show a spatial diffusion and a growing risk in vulnerable coastal areas in the two states. Utilizing climate risk data and GIS techniques to analyze the dangers faced in coastal cities helps minimize their vulnerability. The paper suggests the need for constant assessment and mapping of the risks.

Highlights

This research assesses the vulnerability of coastal areas in the South Eastern states of Mississippi and Louisiana using climate risk information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
To demonstrate the vulnerability of coastal areas from climate change, this section of the paper presents the results of the environmental analysis under different climate risk indicators
The assumption is that climate change factors would impede access to continuous water supply for farmers in the top three agricultural products; corn, soybeans, and cotton for Mississippi, corn soybeans and rice for Louisiana within the farm producing areas in general as well as those located on the coastal areas of the two states

Summary

Introduction

The Southeast Gulf coast region is endowed with ecological assets that support the region’s economic wealth[1,2]. Human activities from the construction of dams to shoreline expansion have considerably changed natural landscapes, streams, and ecological processes. Pressures from human activities remain the most important agents of ecological change in the region today[3]. As we move further into the 21st century, land-use changes are expected to rise as rapid population increases continue[4]. Global climate change, prompted by growing concentration of carbon dioxide and other heat trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, will combine with, and amplify, other human pressures on theGulf Coast environments and the goods and services they offer[1,2,5]

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