Climate change is not an unversed topic for the world. Over several decades, climate change has augmented its due course towards negative impacts of planetary health. A marked effect can be seen on the water bodies such as increased heat storage of oceans, melting of ice caps, coastal erosion, tidal inundation and flooding. Climate change is having its effects in unprecedented ways like unregulated precipitation, poor vegetation, exponential increase in CO₂levels and even an increased economic burden on the population. With an amplified concentration of carbon in the atmosphere causing a rise in temperature, the heat is causing ice to melt and oceans to expand. A corollary of this cycle is rise in sea levels. Scientists are predicting a 1m increase in sea levels till the year 2100, however, the actual consequences depend on our actions. 

As sea levels rise, low-lying coastal areas are bound to be subjected to increased cases of flash floods, storm surges coupled with coastal erosion. With thermal expansion of seawater through atmospheric heat, coastal bleaching and acidification is expected to increase and freshwater swamps and marshes will be susceptible to salt water intrusion due to sea level rise. Coastal communities across the globe are expected to be the worst hit by this particular effect of climate change. The fifth assessment report published in 2013 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2013) also states that "Additional changes to surface winds and waves, sea level, intense rainfall and storm intensity will increase vulnerability of coastal communities and industries such as shipping, energy and mining extraction." 

India has more than 7,500km long coastline and a significant amount of population living around low-lying flood prone coastal regions. According to studies conducted, the sea-level is rising at an average rate of 1.6-1.7 mm per year along the Indian coast, that too in a non-uniform manner.[1] It is also alarming to know that Indian Ocean is warming up faster than other water bodies. Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta are vital economic sectors for the country as well, they are the hub of industries such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism, energy, etc. and since all of them lie in coastal zones, they are under direct threat of climate change. India is thus, highly vulnerable to the risks associated to rising sea levels. The impact of the sea level rise is minimal in the current scenario, however, a major chunk of the Indian population will bear the brunt of this menace in the future.

In a study conducted by IIT Bombay ‘Effect of climate change on shoreline shifts at a straight and continuous coast’, researchers have studied climate change impacts on Indian coasts. The study concludes that the impacts on shoreline erosion, sediment transport, etc. is far worse than expected. Another study over the effects of wind generated waves around the Indian coastlines concludes that these winds are likely to damage the beaches, thereby deteriorating the Indian coastline.[2]

With movements against climate change gaining momentum in the recent past, it is essential that policy making takes place with inclusion of ideas that shall be beneficial for the climate.  Coastal zones are of extensive use to us, be it as a part of biodiversity or being of vital economic significance. Mitigating climate effects on  these regions is of primary importance and has to be taken up on immediate basis. 

Sources:

1. https://www.livemint.com/Science/UBD24IS1qnj800yY1OFZpO/Average-sea-levels-may-rise-by-up-to-30-ft-on-global-warming.html

2. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/climate-change-research-indian-coastline-rising-sea-level-5