A Geographic Information Systems Approach to Mitigating Sea Level Rise: Examples from Bermuda

Abstract

Most island inhabitants, along with their infrastructure and socioeconomic activities, are situated just a few hundred meters from the shore and, as a result, are likely to experience negative impacts from rising sea levels. The destructive effects could include coastal flooding, loss of wetlands, saltwater intrusion, increased erosion, and higher storm surges. Projected sea level rise could seriously damage the socioeconomic growth of smaller island states, with practically every social and economic sector being disrupted. Smaller, low elevation islands might not have the physical size to deal with rising sea levels, and residents might be forced to relocate to other countries, which could have dire socioeconomic costs. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a Geographic Information System (GIS) is an efficient instrument for conducting surveys and inventories to assess those small islands at higher risk and to develop mitigation strategies. Efficient monitoring requires the assessment of various coastal data baselines and the evaluation of subsequent alterations in spatial patterns. While monitoring involves real-time components, among the most powerful tools of a GIS are its modeling capabilities, which allow simulation of various climate change scenarios. The results of this research reveal that GIS techniques and applications play an integral role in defending small islands from climate change and other threats.