Future of the Sea: Health and Wellbeing of Coastal Communities

Abstract

Approximately 17 per cent of the UK population live in coastal communities; some are prosperous and commercially successful, others experiencing socio- economic decline. Regardless, evidence suggests growing risks for the health and wellbeing of coastal communities. Communities along the coast are on the front line in facing climate change and marine pollution impacts, furthermore their economies are deeply embedded with coastal and other marine activities, making these communities particularly affected. Sea-level rise and extreme weather events, driven by climate change and ecosystem damage, expose coastal communities to flooding events now and in the future, damaging local economies, and threatening health and wellbeing. Continuing pollution of the sea has been underestimated as a threat to the health of coastal dwellers.