The African Science-base for Coastal Adaptation: a continental approach. A report to the African Union Commission (AUC) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (7-18 December 2009).

Abstract

A report to the African Union Commission (AUC) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (7-18 December 2009). “In Gambia ... In 1998, the high water mark (HWM) was 50 m from the new Banjul-Serekunda Highway; in 2003 the HWM was only about 15 m from the highway” (Adaptation to Coastal Climate Change Project, ACCC, 2006a). Between Cape Point and the Banjul dockyard and the area between the Palm Grove Hotel and the Muslim cemetery erosion rates of between 15 and 20 m were recorded from 1964 to 1982...” In one brief paragraph we see the relentless attacks of rising sea levels and growing storm surges on one coastline, threatening four significant elements of society – transport, trade, tourism and tradition.