An Investigation into the Impacts of Climate Change on Anthropogenic Polluted Coastal Lagoons in Ghana
An Investigation into the Impacts of Climate Change on Anthropogenic Polluted Coastal Lagoons in Ghana
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Date
2020
Authors
Mitchell, Steve
Couceiro, Fay
Failler, Pierre
Boateng, Isaac
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Publisher
University of Portsmouth,
Abstract
This paper discusses the impacts of Climate Change and anthropo genic activities on coastal lagoons in Ghana. Ghana’s coastal lagoons
provide unique ecosystem services. However, they are highly fragile
and vulnerable to natural processes and anthropogenic activities.
Climate Change impacts, such as increased temperatures, sea-level
rise, storm surge and increased precipitation are likely to have eco logical damage to lagoon ecosystems as a result of erosion, submer gence of lagoon barriers, flooding and drying of the surrounding
wetlands. Field observation, Geographic Information System model ing were among the methodology applied. The paper identified that
anthropogenic activities and Climate Change would combine to
have a serious future impact on lagoon ecosystems. Particularly,
increased rainfall-induced flooding from the hinterland may be very
injurious to the lagoon ecosystem, since the flood water may carry
not only nutrients but also various contaminants and solid plastic
waste generated by human activities around lagoons catchment into
the lagoon channels. Besides, due to the barriers across most lagoon
inlets, such polluted runoff water may not be able to flush out to
sea, thus impacting negatively on the water quality of the lagoons.
The paper proposes some adaptation strategies and recommends
the early implementation of Climate Change adaptation strategies,
coastal lagoon management measures to prevent potential future
destructive impacts.
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Citation
Boateng, I., Mitchell, S., Couceiro, F., & Failler, P. (2020). An investigation into the impacts of Climate Change on anthropogenic polluted coastal lagoons in Ghana. Coastal Management, 48(6), 601-622.