A novel multi-hazard risk assessment framework for coastal cities under climate change

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Coastal cities face increasing climate change challenges, impacting habitation, economy, and biodiversity.
• Existing risk assessments often lack a comprehensive, multi-hazard approach tailored to urban coastal environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA) framework specifically designed for Coastal City Living Labs.
• To provide a holistic risk profile for coastal cities by assessing multiple climate-related hazards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized remote sensing data (ERA5, Urban Atlas, MERIT DEM) for hazard assessment.
• Employed a systematic, indicator-based approach integrating local expertise and historical data.
• Applied the framework to the Benidorm, Spain Coastal City Living Lab case study.

Main Results:

• Identified specific vulnerabilities in Benidorm, particularly concerning heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding.
• Demonstrated the framework's ability to provide detailed spatiotemporal insights into climate risks.
• The risk profile allows for comparative analysis with other European coastal cities.

Conclusions:

• The MHRA framework offers a valuable model for assessing and comparing climate risks in coastal cities globally.
• Continuous data updates and adaptive management are crucial for maintaining assessment accuracy.
• The methodology supports the development of targeted adaptation strategies for enhanced urban resilience.