Climate Resilience of Coastal Cities Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

Coastal cities worldwide face increasing threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and flooding. Enhancing the climate resilience of these cities is critical to mitigating the impacts of these threats on infrastructure, ecosystems, and human populations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer powerful tools for analyzing vulnerabilities and guiding adaptation strategies. This paper investigates the climate resilience of coastal cities using GIS techniques to assess risks, map vulnerable areas, and propose adaptation measures. By combining spatial analysis and climate data, we evaluate three coastal cities—Miami, Mumbai, and Manila. The results show significant variations in vulnerability due to differences in geography, urban density, and socio-economic factors. We provide actionable recommendations for improving resilience, including zoning reforms, flood-resistant infrastructure, and community-based adaptive practices.

Keywords

• climate resilience
• coastal cities
• gis
• sea level rise
• flooding
• adaptation
• urban planning
• vulnerability assessment