Coastal regions around the world are increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding caused by climate change. In Greece, these risks are especially important because of the country’s extensive coastline, island geography, and strong dependence on tourism and coastal infrastructure. However, while scientific research has significantly improved our understanding of coastal vulnerability and protection capacity, there is still an important gap between scientific knowledge and the practical implementation of adaptation strategies.
My poster will examine how climate futures are shaped through the interaction of natural and societal dynamics in the context of coastal adaptation in Greece. Studies on Mediterranean coastal vulnerability show that coastal regions face increasing risks from sea-level rise and flooding (Nicholls & Hoozemans, 1996). In addition, recent research on coastal protection capacity in Greece demonstrates that some regions, especially islands and less economically developed areas, face greater risks and fewer resources for protection (Vousdoukas et al., 2023). Research also highlights that adaptation is not simply a technical issue, but a complex process shaped by governance, planning strategies, and competing societal priorities (Harley et al., 2020).
The poster will focus on the research gap between large-scale scientific modelling and local realities. While climate models can identify vulnerable regions and estimate future risks, they often cannot fully capture local experiences, cultural attachments to coastal areas, or regional economic dependencies. Drawing on course discussions about epistemic plurality and transformative science, the poster will explore how different forms of knowledge — including scientific modelling, local experiences, and regional interests — interact in shaping adaptation decisions and climate futures.
Finally, the poster will investigate how coastal adaptation strategies can be communicated and implemented effectively, particularly in regions where immediate economic interests may conflict with long-term climate planning. The overall aim is to demonstrate that climate futures are not determined only by environmental change, but are co-produced through science, governance, societal priorities, and public decision-making.
References
Harley, M. D., et al. (2020). Managing Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change. Journal of Coastal Conservation.
Nicholls, R. J., & Hoozemans, F. M. J. (1996). The Mediterranean: Vulnerability to Coastal Implications of Climate Change. Ocean & Coastal Management, 31(2–3), 105–132.
Vousdoukas, M. I., et al. (2023). Assessment of Coastal Protection Capacity in Greece. Sustainability, 15(1), 260.