Linking sea level rise, coastal biodiversity and economic activity in Caribbean island states: towards the development of a coastal island simulator

Abstract

Small island states are amongst the regions most at risk from the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, largely because of their environmental and economic dependence on coastal zones. In the Caribbean, many islands are low-lying and surrounded by coral reefs and mangroves, which provide the majority of coastal protection and fisheries income, in addition to being major tourist attractions.