Satellite monitoring for coastal dynamic adaptation policy pathways

Abstract

Dynamic adaptation policy pathways provide a roadmap for coastal communities to establish a suite of sea level rise adaptation responses based on observation-driven signals of increasing risk. This adaptation approach relies heavily on iterative assessment of sea level rise observations and model projections. Remote sensing capabilities from satellites offer an opportunity to assess a consistent set of observational data indicators, around which adaptation pathways can be built. The large-scale nature and broad coverage of satellite observations provide the benefit of consistent monitoring capabilities across the globe, for regions with differing needs, resources, and monitoring capacities. In this study, we identify four categories of data indicators that can be monitored with satellites to support decision making in adaptation pathways: sea level rise, individual processes contributing to sea level rise, impacts of sea level rise, and impacts on implemented adaptation strategies. We review these categories in relation to existing adaptation pathway signposts and the available satellite data. As we highlight the opportunities for satellite-based contributions to sea level adaptation pathways, we also outline potential limitations, opportunities to overcome these limitations, and future steps that can be taken to integrate satellite observations into adaptation pathways.

Keywords

• Sea level rise
• Satellite Data
• Remote Sensing
• Adaptation Pathways