Integrated Impacts of Climate Change-Induced Sea Level Rise in Metro Boston and Adaptation Strategies

Paul Kirshen, Charles Wilson, Pablo Suarez, Kelly Knee, Matthias Ruth, William Anderson, T. R. Lakshmanan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The impacts of eustatic sea level rise (SLR) in the coastal area of Boston due to melting glaciers and polar ice caps and thermal expansion of the ocean are discussed. An increasing body of observations gives a collective picture of a warming world and other changes in the climate system due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. The article reports upon permanent land losses due to SLR and residential, commercial, industrial property and content damages and emergency costs from coastal flooding due to higher storm surges because of higher sea levels. A sensitivity analysis suggests to 'build-your-way-out in densely developed areas and green adaptation in more environmentally sensitive and less developed areas' as a possible response to SLR.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Water and Environmental Resources Congress
EditorsP. Bizier, P. DeBarry
Pages1441-1448
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 2003
EventWorld Water and Environmental Resources Congress 2003 - Philadelphia, PA, United States
Duration: 23 Jun 200326 Jun 2003

Publication series

NameWorld Water and Environmental Resources Congress

Conference

ConferenceWorld Water and Environmental Resources Congress 2003
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia, PA
Period23/06/0326/06/03

Cite this