Assessing the costs for adaptation of marine constructions to sea-level rise

By: DiSegni D.M., Bitan M., Zviely D.
Published in: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
SDGs : SDG 14  |  Units:   | Time: 2017 |  Link
Description: Marine constructions are highly vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise (SLR), leading to increased risk rates o f destruction and the potential closure of ports, harbors, and marinas along the coast. We present a cost-adjustment analysis for such constructions along the south-eastern Mediterranean coast, which takes into account the physical characteristics of the constructions, and environmental uncertainty factors. At 0.5 m SLR, the estimated adjustment cost is USD 280 million, and at 1 m SLR, the estimated cost is USD 505 million. These costs are equivalent to 0.091% and 0.165% of the Israeli gross domestic production, respectively. Although high, these adjustment costs are lower than the costs of future damage that will accrue if we fail to act. This implies that the adaptation-policy approach to controlling for the risk of SLR will provide benefits to the economic marine sectors and the public at large. © 2017 Newcastle University.