Structural Approaches in Building Community Resilience to Climate Change

How It Works

Seawall

  • Wall that is constructed along the coast to prevent the sea from advancing onto the land
  • Protects people, properties and environments from coastal floods

Polnder

  • Low-lying land that is surrounded and protected by barriers known as dykes
  • Excess water is then pumped out of the polnder
  • Protects people, properties and environments from sea level rise and coastal floods

Water Storage Tanks

  • Infrastructure to store excess stormwater during periods of excessive rainfall to slow water from rushing into canals and drains, prevents flooding of canals and drains

Limitations

  • Economic: Costly to build structures, especially for developing countries
    • Must be regularly monitored and enhanced regularly
  • Social: May require the eviction of informal communities