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Large-scale loss of Mediterranean coastal marshes under rising sea levels by 2100

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posted on 2025-03-17, 14:38 authored by Mark Schuerch, Joshua Kiesel, Olivier BoutronOlivier Boutron, Anis Guelmami, Claudia WolffClaudia Wolff, Wolfgang P Cramer, Nuno Caiola, Carles Ibáñez, Athanasios T. Vafeidis
<p>Mediterranean coastal wetlands account for important biodiversity and ecosystem services. But climate-change induced sea-level rise poses a critical risk to their survival. Here, we assess these risks for Mediterranean coastal marshes, one key type of Mediterranean coastal wetlands, and identify main drivers for future coastal marsh change for the Mediterranean and comparable coastlines. For Egypt, France, and Algeria, we predict (near) total loss of coastal marshes by 2100 for current coastal management and sediment supply scenarios. Overall, losses could at least be halved if additional inland migration space were created, e.g. through passive or active habitat restoration. Bold climate mitigation and local adaptation are needed to preserve existing coastal marshes. </p>

Funding

Large scale RESToration of COASTal ecosystems through rivers to sea connectivity

European Commission

Find out more...

The Green Light for Mediterranean Coastal Wetland

History

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School affiliated with

  • Department of Geography (Research Outputs)

Publication Title

Communications Earth & Environment

Volume

6

Pages/Article Number

128

Publisher

Nature Research

eISSN

2662-4435

Date Submitted

2025-02-20

Date Accepted

2025-02-05

Date of Final Publication

2025-02-20

Relevant SDGs

  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land

Open Access Status

  • Open Access

Will your conference paper be published in proceedings?

  • N/A