Sea level rise and coastal adaptation
Sea level rise is one of the most pressing challenges posed by climate change, with significant implications for coastal communities around the world. This comprehensive course on “Sea Level Rise and Coastal Adaptation” provides a deep understanding of the causes and impacts of rising sea levels, delving into the consequences on coastal regions including intensification of extreme events, increased coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas and heightened vulnerability to storm surges.
Participants will also learn about existing or planned adaptation strategies through case studies from various geographical locations, showcasing the complexity of their implementation, the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities, and the importance of inclusive decision-making processes.
Throughout the course, participants will engage in group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of the science of sea level and its implications for coastal adaptation. Research questions that could be raised include:
- What are the primary scientific factors contributing to regional variations in sea level rise?
- What are the emerging areas of research and scientific advancements in the study of sea level rise and its impacts?
- How can we improve the accuracy and precision of sea level measurements and projections?
- What are the feedback loops and interactions between sea level rise and other climate phenomena, such as storms and coastal erosion?
- How does sea level rise impact coastal communities’ socio-economic systems and vulnerable populations?
- How can scientific knowledge inform decision-making processes and policies related to coastal adaptation?
This research questions are examples that can be further refined or expanded based on specific interests and goals of the course participants.
The course will have a duration of two weeks, and will be structured as follows:
Week 1: Understanding sea level rise
- The science behind sea level changes
- Sea level measurement techniques
- Sea level modeling
- Factors influencing sea level variability
- Climate change and sea level rise
Week 2: Impacts and adaptation
- Coastal processes affected by sea level rise
- Analysis of case studies showcasing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sea level rise on coastal regions
- Overview of different adaptation strategies and approaches to address sea level rise impacts
- Integrating science into coastal adaptation
By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the science, measurement and modeling techniques, impacts and adaptive measures related to sea level rise. They will be able to access and interpret existing relevant data sources and visualization tools, and will be well-equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient coastal communities, based on existing and on-going initiatives, leveraging their knowledge to tackle the complex challenges posed by rising sea levels.
Begoña Pérez Gómez – Director of the Course
Begoña Pérez Gómez is a physical oceanographer, PhD in Marine Science and Technology by the University of Cantabria, in Spain. She is currently Head of Harbour Oceanography Department at Ports of Spain, where she manages the sea level monitoring and forecasting system and participates on the design of the climate change adaptation strategy for the Spanish ports. Main skills and interests are related to sea level processes at different timescales, and their impacts, operational oceanography, and design and implementation of early warning systems, with a focus on coastal sea level hazards.
Location
The course will be held in The University Residential Center of Bertinoro
Bertinoro is situated halfway between the cities of Forlì and Cesena, 6 km away from SS9 (Via Emilia). Forlì is the town of reference for transport by train and bus to and from Bertinoro.
Accomodation
The accomodation will be at the University Residential Center of Bertinoro. Please remember that participation in presence is mandatory.
The school is offering a limited financial assistance to cover the accomodation costs at the Center of Bertinoro over the entirety of the two weeks stay. If you are interested, please check the section below.
For those who won’t get the financial assistance, all the costs will be comunicated during the selection process.
Lunches and dinners will be provided and offered by the school for all the students. Students are free to organize themselves at their own expense upon notice. The school will not cover any extra costs.
Transport
Nearest airport: Bologna’s airport “Guglielmo Marconi”
Nearest train station: Forlì Station (20 min. far from Bertinoro by car)
On how to reach the Centre, please consult this link
Given that most of the students will arrive in Bologna – especially from abroad – the school will organize a shuttle who will bring students from Bologna to Bertinoro. More details will be given to the selected candidate.
The school offer a limited financial assistance, based on the applicant’s needs. It will cover accommodation expenses in Bertinoro. If interested, please specify it in the application form in the dedicated section. You can also leave a statement (max 200 words) explaining why you should benefit from this assistance.
The assistance WILL NOT cover travel costs.
Since there is a limited number of places, you are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
If accepted, you will receive an email confirming your financial assistance by secretariat@fersschool.it