Vulnerability assessment of English and Welsh coastal areas

This study assesses the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the coastal areas of Dawlish, Happisburgh (England), and Aberystwyth (Wales) in the context of rising sea levels and intensified storm events due to climate change. The CVI method consists of the Physical Coastal Vulnerability Index (PCVI) and the Economic Coastal Vulnerability Index (ECVI), providing a multidimensional assessment of vulnerability for coastal zones. This integrated index allows for a nuanced evaluation of vulnerability, distinguishing between sites based on various factors. Additionally, this study conducted a correlation analysis to understand the associations between the parameters. The findings demonstrate that physical features, such as beach and dune widths, significantly impact a location's natural defenses, while economic factors, such as property values and population density, are equally crucial in determining societal risks and potential financial repercussions.

Key outputs include that the Combined Coastal Vulnerability Index (CCVI) effectively incorporates a diverse range of variables. Despite its substantial economic value, it reveals that Dawlish requires targeted protective measures, whereas Happisburgh needs an increased focus on its most vulnerable sectors. Aberystwyth emerges as the area with the highest overall vulnerability, underscoring the need for comprehensive coastal management practices. The study emphasizes the importance of adaptive and integrated coastal management strategies to build resilience against complex climate-related threats. It advocates using these indices for strategic planning and policymaking, enabling more robust coastal protection in the face of rising sea levels and climate variability. Future research should aim to refine and expand these methodologies, with the goal of developing a national coastal vulnerability atlas as a critical tool for informed decision-making and protecting at-risk communities.