Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1. Coastal communities and the climate change imperative -- part 2. Climate change and the coastal zone : North America -- part 3. Climate change and the coastal zone : South and Southeast Asia -- part 4. Climate change and the coastal zone : Australasia -- part 5. Climate change and the coastal zone : small islands -- part 6. Climate change and the coastal zone : South America -- part 7. Climate change and the coastal zone : Europe -- part 8. Climate change and the coastal zone : Africa -- part 9. Conclusion and practical steps for adapting to climate change.

"Coastal communities are in the front line of climate change. Escalating problems created by sea-level rise, more intense coastal storms, ocean acidification and other repercussions of climate change will exacerbate already pervasive impacts resulting from rapid coastal population growth and development intensification. Coastal communities will only survive and prosper in the coming decades if all concerned make a concerted effort to improve their resilience and adaptability. Telling the stories of real-world communities in diverse coastal settings, this book draws upon the latest research findings."--Provided by publisher.

College of Arts and Sciences

Text in English.