Logo image
Back
Path Dependency and Future Adaptation of Coastal Cities: Examples From the Asia-Pacific
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Path Dependency and Future Adaptation of Coastal Cities: Examples From the Asia-Pacific

Patrick D. Nunn, Timothy F. Smith and Carmen Elrick-Barr
Frontiers in environmental science, Vol.9, pp.1-14
24/08/2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.642385
url
Path Dependency and Future Adaptation of Coastal CitiesView
Published (Version of record) Open Free to Read

Related links

Metrics

1 Record Views
19 Times Cited - Web of Science

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#2 Zero Hunger
#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
#13 Climate Action
#14 Life Below Water
#15 Life on Land

Source: SDGs from InCites

Abstract

coastal management climate change adaptation path dependency urban futures sea-level rise urbanization sustainable futures
The need for Asia-Pacific coastal cities to adapt effectively and sustainably to accelerating (relative) sea-level rise is growing. If such adaptation does not occur in a timely manner, then it could result in socio-economic problems that will reverberate throughout the region. Using examples of coastal Asia-Pacific cities that are characterised by contrasting geographical settings and cultural contexts, this study argues that the main barrier to such adaptation is path dependency. In this sense, path dependency is a legacy of past decisions that have been influenced by topography, economic goals, and the cultural-political characteristics of key decision-making groups. These path dependencies manifest as various adaptation preferences, which to date have been dominated by hard engineering solutions. In an era of accelerating climate change there is now a need to seek alternatives to in-situ urban growth. This paper argues that an understanding of a city's path dependency is key to optimizing the effectiveness of future adaptation.

Details

Logo image