Climate Change in BelgiumCase Study - Answers

Answers

1. From interpretation and analysis of figure 1.4, what are the trends that can be seen and the possible consequences of these trends?

From analysing the 4 graphs in figure 1.4 a trend of sea level rising can be observed. The

line of best fit in all of the graphs indicates this trend, with sea level rising 2.32 – 2.35 m by

the year 2006. Information supplied by the case study (figure 1.2) show that the

consequences of this trend will be coastal flooding of the Belgian coast. Areas of

Blankenberge and Nieuwpoort will mainly affected by flooding. Coastal erosion may also

occur along the Belgian coast due to sea level rise, but coastal flooding will be the main

consequence.

2. From the information obtained from the above case study and figures do you think coastal flooding is a future concern to the Belgian coast? (See pages 14 – 18)

Knowledge gained from the above case study, specifically from the figures 1.2 - 1.4 indicates

that coastal flooding is a major future concern for the Belgian coast. For example increased

sea level rise, predicted correlation between increased wind speed and wave height are all

indicators and contributing factors to future coastal flooding.

3. Outline the possible social, economical and environmental impacts of coastal flooding along the Belgian coast (See pages 18 – 22)

Possible social impacts from coastal flooding are: safety of the general public located in

flood risk areas. Damage to transport infrastructure e.g. roads, railways and even shipping

industry is another potential impact. Another impact is the disruption to transport and

shipping industry through the development of coastal defences to prevent coastal flooding.

Reduction in tourism might also occur due to the coast being less desirable to visit. Finally

loss of jobs due in flood affected areas and also potential increase in jobs in construction

industry due to rebuilding of damage and appropriate defences. Coastal flooding has the

potential to cause the following economical impacts: Economic infrastructure damage e.g.

fishing and shipping industry get damaged due to flood events and increased storminess.

Insurance costs and protection against flooding could see production value increase for

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industries located along the Belgian coast. Damages to industrial and agricultural properties

will subsequently lead to temporary or permanent decrease in production. Indirectly, this can

result in economic losses at supplier and customer companies. The possible Environmental

impacts of coastal flooding include: contamination of water due to the turbidity caused by

coastal flooding. Fresh water dunes will also be contaminated by salt water intrusion from

flooding. Main environmental impacts due to flooding are its affects on habitats and

ecosystems both marine and land based. Loss of habitats and damage can be caused to

both marine and land. Construction of coastal defences can affect ecosystems also through

disruption.

4. Of the impacts listed in question 3, which has the potential to produce the biggest negative effect the Belgian coast. (see pages 23 – 25)

The economical impact to industries will have the biggest negative effect to the Belgian

coast. If fishing/shipping and agriculture industries are affected badly by coastal flooding this

will harm the country on an economical level causing loss of jobs and potential increases in

prices of goods. Since Belgian coast is host to many types of industry and is an important

economical asset to Belgium this type of impact will cause the biggest negative effect in the

future.

5. What considerations or preventions could be undertaken to attempt to prevent coastal flooding for Blankenberge and Nieuwpoort? (See pages 23 – 25)

The main consideration and prevention that could be undertaken would be the construction

of coastal defence along the Belgian coast. These defences will prevent or reduce the

impacts of coastal flooding will have on Belgian coast. Considerations include insurance for

coastal areas against flooding. Plans for an appropriate response through emergency

services if coastal flooding occurs and finally education to the public and industries on

coastal flooding are all considerations that could be undertaken.

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6. For this area list the difficulties when dealing with future changes (e.g. funding, technology).

The main difficulties when dealing with future climate change is the funding of schemes to

tackle and prevent coastal flooding. For example gaining funding for the construction of

coastal defences may be challenging. Bureaucracy is another problem faced when trying to

push these plans through and undertake action. Finally another difficulty is making the public

and stakeholders and local industries believe there is an issue and coastal climate change is

a serious matter to consider and address. For this case study making people believe there is

a potential threat of coastal flooding.

7. List other climate change factors that could affect the Belgian coast and why? (See pages 14 – 23)

Belgian coast is host to marine and land based habitats and ecosystems. Climate change

factors including, sea temperature rise and air temperature rise could have an effect on

these habitats and ecosystems. They could make Belgian coast undesirable for species with

sensitive habitat requirements, causing a reduction in biodiversity. Increases in sea and air

temperature could also make the Belgian coast more desirable for different and new species

and in turn increase biodiversity. Spatial distribution of species habitats can also be affected

by these climate change factors. Increase in sea temperature and air temperature have the

potential to cause unnatural changes in ecosystems along the Belgian coast. A rise in

extreme storm events and weather events could also have an effect on the Belgian coast

causing similar problems to coastal flooding; damaging of habitats, economic infrastructure

and coastal erosion.

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