Summary

Rising sea levels causes beach erosion, delta inundation, floods, and the loss of

many marshes and wetlands. As a result of saltwater intrusion, increased

salinity will most likely become an issue in coastal aquifers and estuary

systems. Glaciers and ice sheets throughout the world are melting and adding

water to the ocean, which is one of the few reasons why sea level is increasing.

And as the water warms, the volume of the ocean expands. That is why

planting mangroves and rehabilitating coral reefs are one of the easiest and

cost-effective solutions out there. It has been proven that the two solutions can

greatly lessen the effects of the rising sea levels.

 Problem and Background

Sea level is the basis for calculating the altitude and complexity on earth, it

may change due to variations in weather, specifically the global warming. One

of the causes of global warming is the burning of fossil fuel as it releases

heated gases that trapped into the atmosphere. The earth’s water absorbs this

heat, and as the water increases in temperature, it enlarges, which results to

the upsurge of the earth’s ocean level that is called sea level rise. Additionally,

global warming also causes ice sheets and ice in glaciers to melt and that is

also results to the rising of the sea level (National Geographic, 2022).

The effects of sea level rise are the destruction of the coastline areas, typhoon

and storm surge intensification, these effects have a severe threat to the

marine life around the world (National Geographic, 2022). The damaging

influence of this sea level rising ranges over the aquatic ecosystem, UN data

reveals 90% of the population of the huge marine animals and the 50% coral

reefs are destroyed and around 900 million persons residing in coastal areas

worldwide are susceptible to high sea levels, with one in ten people facing

major risk (Erkul, 2023). According to the National Mapping and Resource

Information Authority (NAMRIA), the Metro Manila’s Sea level is increasing by

approximately three times or 3.4 millimeters (mm) in the annually mean

internationally. Sea level rise can initiate recurrent flooding, fast land damage,
expatriate population, economic difficulties, and harmful effect on environment

systems (CNN Philippines, 2023).

Sea level rise pose a major risk in both human ecosystem and marine diversity,

it is crucial to address this crisis to prevent more long-term impacts.

 Solution

The Philippines is a tropical country surrounded by vast bodies of water,

making coral reefs and mangrove forests common features across the nation.

Unfortunately, these vital ecosystems are facing a gradual decline, primarily

due to irresponsible human activities. The degradation of coral reefs in the

Philippines is readily apparent, as indicated by Dr. Luicuanan, a biology

professor and marine biologist from De La Salle University. In his study, which

surveyed 166 reef stations, more than 90% of the country's corals were rated

as poor (Lauren Garcia, 2019). This deterioration, driven by human activities,

is one of the main contributors to rising sea levels along coastal areas and the

degradation of ecosystems in proximity to mangrove forests.

To address the issue of rising sea levels, researchers have developed a method

that should be imparted to local communities, especially those residing in

coastal areas and wetlands. The proposed approach involves educating locals

on planting corals beneath the reef and mangroves in marsh swamps. It is

evident that damage inflicted on these mangrove areas can result in severe

landscape changes in the vicinity, Buitre, M.J.C( 2019).

Furthermore, both coral reefs and mangrove forests play crucial roles in our

oceans. They enhance resilience against rising water levels by reducing soil

erosion. By imparting knowledge to local communities on how to plant these

essential organisms in our reefs and freshwater areas, we can strengthen these

natural defenses. Mangrove forests, in particular, provide substantial

protection to coasts against the impacts of hurricanes and storms, and they

can adapt to rising sea levels, Daniel Alongi (2008).

In addition to mangroves, coral reefs also contribute significantly to controlling

sea-level rise by dissipating wave energy through the friction generated by their

structural complexity. This prevents waves from dislodging sediments beneath

the ocean, which can be caused by rising water levels, Daniel L. Harris (2018).
 Input
Global average sea level
has risen 8-9 inches (21-
24 cm) since 1880,
according to Rebecca
Lindsey (2022). Global
average sea level struck a
new peak in 2022, rising
101.2 mm (4 inches)
above 1993 levels. And
that the pace of global sea
level rise is accelerating:
from 0.06 inches (1.4
millimeters) per year
during the course of the
twentieth century to 0.14
inches (3.6 millimeters)
per year from 2006 to
2015.
The rising sea level causes
major problems to many
countries, especially in
the Philippines. Since its
sea level is rising three
times faster than the
global average, putting
many of its coastal
villages in peril, according
to a climate scientist of
the Philippine
Athmosperic Geophysical
and Astronomical Services
Administration. While in
Legazpi City, the
provincial capital of Albay
has a sea level rise
average of 6 mm/year
over a 76-year period.
Process Output
According to New Zealand If the plan was
Mangrove Data (n.d.) They implemented the possible
identified that places outcomes of the two
lacking mangroves are proposed solutions are;
more likely to spread
Flooding occurrences will
caused by erosion and
be reduced, especially to
have more water
coastal areas.
encroaching inwards,
whereas mangrove zones Since the method is
avoid this impact, which is environment friendly,
likely due to soil building there would be no carbon
up around their mesh like footprints left.
roots and acting to restrict
The solutions are for long-
energy from waves and
term protection from the
tidal currents. That is the
effects of rising sea levels.
reason why one of the
proposed solutions is to
plant mangrove trees in
marsh or wetlands near
coastal areas. Also,
rehabilitation of coral reefs
are also one of the possible
solutions to decrease the
effects of sea level rising
like flooding. According to
Johan Reyns, IHE Delft
Lecturer and Researcher in
Coastal Morphodynamics
(2023) and his coauthors,
suggests that coral reef
growth might mitigate the
repercussions of low to
moderate levels of sea-level
rise anticipated by the end
of the century. However,
urgent and vigorous coral
reef restoration is required
for this to occur.
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