Impact of sea level rise and adaptations for Malaysia shoreline

Abstract

Over 90% of anthropogenic heat produced in the global system is stored in the ocean, leading to thermal expansion of the ocean and sea level rise. Rising sea levels are expected to cause low-lying coastal areas at greater risk of flooding in the next century. The predicted sea level rise levels as reported by NAHRIM was used to analyze physical coastal flood zones in Peninsular Malaysia by static model. The magnitude of sea level rise for Malaysian coastline was predicted ranging from 0.67 to 0.74 m according to the RCP 8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway) scenario for the year 2100. Global information system (GIS) analysis is used to produce the inundation risk maps for Peninsular Malaysia coastlines. The static model illustrated that the low-lying areas in the Straits of Malacca is more vulnerable compared to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The inundation risk maps as reported here are able to help local authorities in coastal planning and developments, where coastal inundations may result in prolonged disruption of coastal economic activities, communities and bio-diversities.