Based on a major international study, this volume provides a synthesis of scientific knowledge on megacity urbanization on the coast, environmental impacts, risks and management choices, including a focus on adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk management. It is the primary output of a major international scientific project sponsored by the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme, the Land-Ocean Interactions at the Coastal Zone programme of IHDP/IGBP, and others. It brings together the work of over 60 contributing authors and an international review board.
It presents the international policy and academic community with an unbiased and high quality assessment of the state-of-the art in areas of social-ecological systems interaction. One of its main messages is that while we know a great deal about megacities of more than ten million people and about urban processes, and about coasts and their physical and ecological processes (aquatic, physical and atmospheric), there is relatively little work that focusses primarily at points of intersection between large-scale urbanization and the coast. The book responds to this gap by providing the first global synthesis of megacity and large urban region urbanization on the coast. Its focus is on environmental and development challenges, climate change and disaster. It is interdisciplinary and brings together world recognised scientists (including many IPCC lead authors) on urban climate and atmosphere, disaster risk management, demography and coastal environments.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary 1. Mega-Urbanisation on the Coast: Global Context and Key Trends in the Twenty-First Century 2. The Environmental Impacts of Megacities on the Coast 3. Coastal Megacities, Environmental Hazards and Global Environmental Change 4. Contributions of Coastal Megacities to Environmental Changes at Regional and Global Scales 5. Reducing Risk from Natural Hazard, Pollution and Climate Change in Megacities and Associated Networks 6. Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change and Development: Interaction and Integration 7. Case Studies
About the Author :
Mark Pelling is Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography at King's College London, UK.
Sophie Blackburn is a Research Associate in the Department of Geography at King's College London, UK.
Review :
"This is an important and timely book. Rapid urbanisation in coastal areas combined with climate change and poor governance poses a significant threat to coastal communities. The book offers a synthesis of the latest knowledge on the urbanisation processes, environmental impacts, and policy response options, and disaster risk management. The book will appeal to scholars, students and practitioners alike." – Zoran Vojinovic, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands
"What are the social and environmental trends that will impact the quality of life for residents of coastal megacities during the 21st century, and what policies will mitigate their negative impacts on both people and the environment? This accessible, engaging work, based on a "major international scientific project" with members from diverse disciplines, addresses these questions; the ideas presented deserve a wide international audience.Summing Up: Recommended." - P. R. Pinet, Colgate University for CHOICE, October 2014
"In this provocative, compelling book, urban planning and coastal systems join forces. Megacities and the Coast is a vital book for those interested in environmental and developmental change, climate change and disasters, and urban island studies." - Filipa Fernandes in Urban Island Studies, 2016
