Environmental Science - Climate Adaptation Policy
Scenario: Coastal City Climate Adaptation Planning
A coastal city with a population of 500,000 is developing climate adaptation policies for expected 2050 conditions. Climate projections indicate 1.5°C warming and 0.5m sea level rise. The city has 25km of coastline, critical infrastructure including a port and airport, low-lying residential areas, and limited budget ($500 million over 10 years). Your team of 3 environmental policy students must identify the MOST appropriate adaptation strategies to prioritize.
Which adaptation strategies should the city prioritize? (Select ALL that apply)
1
Individual Selection Phase
3 minutes

Each team member independently selects options without consulting others. This phase captures individual understanding before collaboration influences decisions.

Student 1 - Maya (Engineering focus)
Selected: A (Coastal infrastructure reinforcement), B (Relocate city inland), D (Update building codes), F (Managed retreat)
Student 2 - James (Environmental science focus)
Selected: A (Coastal infrastructure), C (Green infrastructure), D (Building codes), E (Early warning systems)
Student 3 - Aisha (Policy focus)
Selected: B (Relocate city), D (Building codes), E (Early warning), F (Managed retreat)
A. Coastal infrastructure reinforcement and sea walls
B. Relocate entire city inland (unrealistic for large city)
C. Green infrastructure for stormwater management (rain gardens, wetlands)
D. Update building codes for flood resilience
E. Early warning systems for extreme weather events
F. Managed retreat for most vulnerable low-lying areas
G. Air conditioning subsidies only (incomplete strategy)
H. Ban all coastal development immediately (too extreme)