Preprints  

The paper synthesizes scientific knowledge on SLR in Europe, guiding evidence-based policy. SLR poses challenges for coastal decision-making addressed through a mix of hard and soft strategies across sea basins: incorporation of SLR projections into spatial planning, focus on adaptation plans and nature-based solutions, priorization of early warning systems . The review stresses key coastal adaptation considerations, as flexibility, integration of SLR information, and iterative decision-making.

This paper assesses coastal adaptation governance by examining socio-economic and political contexts, reviewing policy frameworks, and identifying challenges. Results demonstrate that regional and basin-scale frameworks lack SLR provisions, but significant national progress is observed. Main governance challenges are time horizon and uncertainty, coordination, and social vulnerability. These, however, can addressed if flexible planning and nature-based solutions are implemented.

Sea level rise has major impacts in Europe which vary from place to place and in time depending on the source of the impacts. Flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion lead via different pathways to various consequences in coastal regions across Europe. It causes damage to assets, environment and people for all three categories of impacts discussed in this paper. The paper provides an overview of the various impacts in Europe.

The EU Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise’s Assessment Report strives to synthesize the current scientific knowledge on sea level rise and its impacts across local, national, and EU scale, to support evidence-based policy and decision making primarily targeting coastal areas. This paper complements IPCC reports by documenting the state of knowledge of observed and 21^st century projected changes in mean and extreme sea levels with more regional information for EU seas as scoped with stakeholders.

The European Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise (SLR) has done a scoping study involving stakeholders from government and academia to identify gaps and needs in SLR information, impacts, and policies across Europe. Gaps in regional SLR projections and uncertainties were found, while concerns were raised about shoreline erosion, emerging problems like saltwater intrusion and ineffective adaptation plans. The need for improved communication to make better decisions on SLR adaptation was highlighted.