The Law of Coastal Adaptation - Insights from Germany and New Zealand

This work investigates law as an instrument to deal with the challenges of sea level rise. As the two countries chosen as examples differ significantly in their adaptation strategies and the corresponding legal regulations, the author presents general ideas on how any legal framework facing similar challenges could be improved. In particular, (flood) risk assessments, coastal defences and flood-resistant design as well as spatial and land use planning are discussed, including managed retreat. Moreover, conflicts as well as potential synergies of coastal adaptation and nature conservation are examined.

Due to the thorough analysis this book is not just an essential read for policymakers and researchers interested in the coastal area but climate change adaptation in general as many general findings are transferrable to other impacts.

Linda Schumacher is Associate Researcher at the University of Bremen.