Walter V. Reid and Mark C. Trexler Wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and other coastal ecosystems are severely stressed as a result of pollution, sedimentation, land-filling, residential and commercial construction, and other by-products of growing human populations. Add to these yet another set of threats associated with global warming, and the prospects for some of the world's richest and most productive ecocystems grow dim. This report examines the status of coastal biodiversity and the potential impacts of climate change; increased erosion, flooding, and salt-water intrusion into groundwater, rivers, bays and estuaries as well as receding coastlines and altered coastal current and upwelling patterns. The authors evaluate various policy responses and recommend specific changes to protect the biological wealth of these vital ecosystems. 1991/ 48 pages |
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