Adapting to sea level rise: A Law of the Sea perspective
Sefrioui, S. (2017). Adapting to sea level rise: A Law of the Sea perspective, in: Andreone, G. (Ed.) The future of the Law of the Sea: Bridging gaps between national, individual and common interests. pp. 3-22. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51274-7_1
In: Andreone, G. (Ed.) (2017). The future of the Law of the Sea: Bridging gaps between national, individual and common interests. Springer International Publishing: Cham. ISBN 978-3-319-51274-7. xx, 269 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51274-7, more
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| Abstract |
Climate change is altering the ocean temperatures and current around the world. Although it is not clear how different regions of the earth will be affected by this change, coastal communities are suffering from impacts associated with sea level rise and stronger storms. It has been recognized, since the first international concern about climate change, that sea level rise will have implications for the physical and legal status of the sea and maritime zones. Some parts of the world are disappearing or reappearing, and consequently base points and baselines are also affected. States would seek to reinforce them and preserve their coastline, islands, and maritime zones by constructing shoreline protection and sea defenses. Some theories have been developed to adapt the sea level rise with the legal issues. The article will focus on the importance of offshore areas for the coastal populations and how a rising sea level creates uncertainties as to islands, baselines, maritime zones, and maritime boundaries. It will examine how sea level rise creates a threat to the maritime territory and coastal State resources. These consequences may lead to conflicting claims on maritime resources. This article will also review the existing and potential conflicts with regard to the rising sea level as a result of climate change. It will also highlight the legal solutions or predictions adopted or to be followed to prevent the loss of baselines and maritime zones, and in some cases to prevent the extinction of the State. However, these solutions may have legal consequences that may lead to change of the legal status. The article closes with creative, innovative approaches necessary to cope with these consequences. |
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