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R.H.C. Charlier and Chr. P. De Meyer
Finally, the success of strategies to limit climate change is a factor to be
considered. Limitation measures will be likely to reduce the costs of adaptation to
the coast impacts of sea-level rise. It is likely, however, that some adaptation to
sea-level rise will be required regardless of the limitation strategies eventually
implemented 19
2
Priorities for Adaptation
2.1
Scientific Knowledge and Monitoring
There is still considerable speculation regarding sea-level rise and other impacts
of global climate change. This makes the selection of adaptation options
extremely difficult. In particular, regional, national and site specific data needed
to make decisions on adaptive options is lacking.
For example, a system to monitor, detect and predict sea-level rise is needed to
determine the need for construction of protective structures or relocation of
coastal inhabitants. Information on other impacts, such as changes in tropical
storms, in order to plan for natural emergencies is equally required 2°.
2.2
Information
Those areas that are most vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise must be
identified. The identification should concentrate on densely populated low lying
areas, deltas and small atoll islands.
The need for clearing house arrangements to facilitate exchange of information
and international databases accessible to all nations has also been established.