INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND
The impact of climate change
on Sea level rise in coastal
communities,There is too
much fear, uncertainty, and
doubt surrounding the climate
crisis for students. Climate
Project offers them the
information and skills they
need to make a difference and
impact the future.Climate is the
general weather over a long
period. This can include
rainfall, temperature, snow or
any other weather condition.
We usually define a region's
climate over a period of 30
years. Weather refers to short
term atmospheric conditions
while climate is the weather of
a specific region averaged
over a long period of
time(KOPPE, 2025).
 Key aspect of project on sea
level rise focuses on
understanding and mitigating
its impacts, which include
increased coastal flooding,
land loss, and potential
displacement of communities.
This involves studying the
causes of sea level rise, like
thermal expansion of water
and melting glaciers, and
predicting future sea level
scenarios based on climate
models. The work also
includes developing adaptation
strategies, such as protecting
habitats, restoring ecosystems,
and implementing engineering
solutions like sea walls (NDPI,
2025).

Climate Time Machine travel

through Earth's recent climate
history and see how increasing
carbon dioxide, global
temperature and sea ice have
changed over time.Track
Earth's vital signs from space
and fly along with NASA's
Earth-observing satellites in an
interactive 3D
visualization(NASA, 2023).

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. Rising sea levels exacerbate
coastal flooding, erosion, and
saltwater intrusion,
disproportionately affecting
low-lying regions and small
island nations.
2. Despite global mitigation
efforts, SLR projections remain
alarming, necessitating urgent
research into its drivers,
impacts, and adaptive
strategies.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of study is to examine
the effects of climate-induced
flooding on
Lagos coastal ecosystem, the
indicators of vulnerability by
the different segments of the
Lagos coastal communities.

1.3.1 THE OBJECTIVE

1. Analyze the primary drivers
of SLR under climate change.
2. Assess socio-economic and
ecological impacts on coastal
regions.
3. Evaluate current and
proposed mitigation/adaptation
strategies.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How do thermal expansion and
cryospheric melt contribute to
SLR?
What are the regional
disparities in SLR impacts?
How effective are existing
policies in addressing SLR?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE
1. Increased Flooding and
Coastal Erosion:
Rising sea levels exacerbate
coastal flooding, especially
during storm surges and high
tides, according to a 2022
report from the Africa Center
for Strategic Studies.
Coastal erosion, driven by
increased wave action and
erosion of the shoreline,
threatens the stability of
infrastructure and land.
2. Freshwater Contamination:
Saline water intrusion into
coastal aquifers and
groundwater resources, as sea
levels rise, contaminates
drinking water and agricultural
irrigation, as reported by the
Africa Center for Strategic
Studies.
3. Displacement and Loss of
Ecosystems:
Sea level rise can lead to the
displacement of communities
as low-lying areas become
uninhabitable, according to the
Africa Center for Strategic
Studies.
Coastal ecosystems, such as
mangroves and wetlands, are
destroyed, impacting
biodiversity and reducing
natural coastal defenses.
4. Economic and Infrastructure
Impacts:
Rising sea levels can damage
or destroy infrastructure,
including ports, roads, and
buildings, leading to economic
losses and disruptions,
according to the Africa Center
for Strategic Studies.
Fisheries and tourism,
important economic sectors in
coastal communities, can be
negatively
impacted by sea level rise,
according to the Africa Center
for Strategic Studies.
5. Public Health Concerns:
Increased flooding and
contamination of water sources
can lead to outbreaks of
waterborne diseases,
according to the Africa Center
for Strategic Studies.
Displacement and loss of
livelihoods can also
exacerbate public health
problems in vulnerable
communities, according to the
Africa Center for Strategic
Studies.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY
1.5.1 PHYSICAL IMPACT
1. Coastal Erosion: The
erosion of coastlines due to
increased wave action and the
displacement of coastal land.
2. Inundation and Flooding:
The submersion of low-lying
areas due to
higher sea levels and storm
surges.
3. Salt Water Intrusion: The
movement of saltwater into
freshwater sources, impacting
water quality and agriculture.
4. Ecosystem Loss: The
destruction or degradation of
coastal ecosystems like
mangroves, salt marshes, and
coral reefs.

1.5.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC
IMPACTS:
1. Displacement and Migration:
The forced relocation of
communities due to land loss
and flooding.
2. Economic Losses: Impacts
on industries like tourism,
fishing, and agriculture due to
coastal damage and flooding.
3. Infrastructure Damage:
Damage to roads, bridges, and
other infrastructure along the
coast.
4. Health Impacts: Increased
risks of waterborne diseases
and mental health issues due
to stress and displacement.

1.5.3 ADAPTATION AND

MITIGATION STRATEGIES:
1. Coastal Defenses: The
construction of seawalls, dikes,
and other infrastructure to
protect against sea level rise
and flooding.
2. Ecosystem-Based
Adaptation: Utilizing natural
systems like mangroves and
salt marshes to protect
coastlines and absorb water.
3. Sustainable Development:
Promoting sustainable land
use practices and
infrastructure development to
reduce vulnerability to sea
level rise.
4. Policy and Planning:
Developing policies and
regulations to manage
coastal development and
mitigate the impacts of sea
level rise.
1.6 LIMITATION
Climate change exacerbates
sea level rise, posing
significant threats to coastal
communities by increasing
flooding, storm surges, and
saltwater intrusion, impacting
livelihoods, infrastructure, and
ecosystems. While gradual rise
may offer time for adaptation,
rapid population growth in
these areas can worsen
vulnerability.
1.6.1 ELABORATION:
1. Increased Risk of Flooding:
Rising sea levels directly lead
to more frequent and severe
coastal flooding, increasing the
risk to homes, businesses, and
critical infrastructure.
2. Worsened Storm Surges:
Sea level rise elevates the
baseline for
storm surges, making them
more destructive and
potentially causing widespread
damage and displacement.
3. Saltwater Intrusion:
As sea levels rise, saltwater
intrudes into freshwater
sources, contaminating
drinking water and agricultural
land, impacting both human
and environmental health.
4. Impact on Coastal
Ecosystems:
Rising sea levels threaten vital
coastal ecosystems like
mangroves, which provide
natural defenses against
storms and provide habitat for
many species, according to a
study in the journal Earth
Science, Systems and Society.
5. Economic and Social
Impacts:
Coastal communities face
economic losses due to
damage to infrastructure,
reduced agricultural yields, and
disrupted trade, along with
social challenges like
displacement and increased
stress.
6. Vulnerability and Adaptation:
While gradual sea level rise
may allow for some adaptation
measures like sea walls, the
rapid growth of coastal
populations, particularly in low-
lying areas, increases
vulnerability.
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Extent of the Past

Works
Over the years, researchers
across the globe have
conducted extensive studies on
the effects of climate change,
particularly its role in
accelerating sea level rise and
its impact on coastal
communities. These works
have provided valuable insights
into the causes, patterns, and
potential consequences of
rising sea levels, ranging from
environmental degradation to
social and economic
disruptions.
Numerous studies have
explored the impact of climate
change on sea level rise and
its implications for coastal
communities. Below are six
key studies closely related to
the present research:
This study provided a global
perspective on sea level rise,
highlighting its main causes
thermal expansion and ice
melt. It emphasized the
vulnerability of major coastal
cities and the urgency of
adaptive measures Nicholls,
& Cazenave, A. (2010).

This study used GIS mapping

to estimate the impact of sea
level rise in developing
countries, with projections
showing significant land loss
and displacement Dasgupta,
S & Yan, J (2009).
 Focused on the economic
costs of sea level rise under
various scenarios. The study
emphasized the need for
investment in coastal
protection to
mitigate long-term
damagesHinkel, (2014).
Specifically examined coastal
erosion and flooding in Nigeria.
Using satellite imagery and
maps, it revealed the
environmental degradation of
Lagos and the Niger Delta
regionsNwilo P, & Badejo
O(2006).

Advocated for ecosystem-

based coastal defenses like
mangroves and wetlands,
showing how natural buffers
can reduce the impacts of sea
level riseTemmerman S(2013)
 Emphasized the integration of
indigenous knowledge with
scientific methods for
community resilience against
climate risks in vulnerable
regionsMercer J (2010).
2.2 Limitations of
Reviewed Past Works
While previous studies have
made important contributions
to understanding the link
between climate change and
sea level rise, many of them
have notable limitations. These
limitations range from outdated
data and generalized findings
to narrow research scopes and
lack of local context. Identifying
these shortcomings is
essential, as it helps to
highlight the areas that require
further investigation and
provides justification for the
current study.

Presented a broad global

overview but lacked localized
data and contextual
insights specific to African or
Nigerian coastal
communitiesNicholls &
Cazenave (2010).

Relied heavily on predictive

GIS models without
incorporating real-time,
ground-level validation or input
from local
residentsDasgupta(2009).

Emphasized macroeconomic
cost modeling but did not
explore the social and cultural
impacts on displaced or
vulnerable
populationsHinkel(2014).
Nwilo & Badejo (2006)
provided a crucial Nigerian
context but used data that is
now outdated and lacked
qualitative perspectives from
local communities.
Focused on ecological
defenses but did not evaluate
the practical and financial
feasibility of implementing such
strategies in low-resource
settings.
These limitations highlight
gaps in geographical focus,
stakeholder engagement,
methodological scope, and
real-world applicability—areas
this study aims to improve
uponTemmerman(2013).

LITERATURE
REVIEW II
2.3 Knowledge Gap
Despite the progress made by
earlier studies, several gaps
remain in the existing body of
knowledge, especially
concerning the localized
impacts of sea level rise on
coastal communities in
developing countries like
Nigeria.

Lack of localized research:

Many
studies take a regional or
global perspective and fail to
account for the specific
challenges and contexts of
Nigerian coastal communities.

Limited community
participation: Few studies
incorporate the voices,
knowledge, and lived
experiences of the people
directly affected by sea level
rise.

Outdated or insufficient
data: Earlier studies on
Nigeria’s coastlines used old
data and did not utilize current
satellite technologies or
environmental monitoring
tools.

Narrow focus on
physical/environmental
impacts: There is inadequate
analysis of the socio-
economic, cultural, and
psychological
impacts on affected
communities.
Weak policy linkage:
Research rarely connects its
findings to actionable,
community-driven policy
suggestions.
These knowledge gaps form
the foundation for this current
research and underscore the
need for updated, inclusive,
and actionable investigations.

2.4 Current Research

In response to the limitations
and knowledge gaps identified
in the reviewed literature, the
present study adopts a more
focused and context-specific
approach. This research is
designed to investigate the
multifaceted impacts of climate
change-induced sea level rise
on selected coastal
communities in Nigeria.
Local Focus: Unlike broad
global or regional studies, this
research centers on specific
coastal communities in Nigeria,
ensuring relevance and
specificity.

Mixed-Methods Approach:
Combines environmental
assessments (e.g., flood
levels, erosion) with socio-
economic data gathered
through surveys, interviews,
and field observation.

Community Inclusion:
Actively involves local
residents in identifying
challenges and adaptation
strategies, integrating both
scientific and indigenous
knowledge.

Current Data: Utilizes up-to-

date satellite
imagery and on-ground
environmental data to assess
the present state of sea level
rise.

Policy-Relevant Output:
Provides practical, localized
policy recommendations aimed
at government and NGOs for
sustainable coastal
management.

CHAPTER 3
METHODS

3.4 Methods
We took some procedures,
techniques, and analytical
tools employed in this study to
investigate the impacts of
climate change-induced sea
level rise on
coastal communities. A mixed-
methods approach was
employed, integrating both
qualitative and quantitative
research techniques to provide
a comprehensive
understanding of the subject
matter. By combining field
observations, socio-economic
data, and scientific modeling,
this methodology aims to
generate a holistic view of the
current and future impacts of
sea level rise on coastal
populations.
3.4.1 Research
Design
The study employed a
descriptive survey research
design, which allowed for the
collection of both quantitative
and qualitative data from
coastal communities affected
by sea level rise. This design is
particularly suitable for
understanding the patterns,
characteristics, and impacts
of sea level rise in various
coastal areas. Additionally,
geospatial analysis was
integrated into the research to
spatially map the effects of sea
level rise, while time-series
data interpretation was used
to examine historical trends in
sea level rise, flood frequency,
and other environmental
variables.
By combining field
observations with empirical
data collection and
modeling, the research
provides insights into both the
physical (environmental
changes) and socio-
economic (community
response and vulnerability)
impacts of sea level rise. The
integration of these
approaches ensures a
comprehensive analysis that
will contribute to better
understanding the challenges
faced by coastal communities.
3.4.2 Site Selection
and Sampling
To ensure the research
captures relevant and
representative data, a
purposive sampling
technique was used to select
coastal communities that have
been historically impacted by
sea level rise and flooding. The
chosen communities in Lagos
State, including areas like Eti-
Osa, Lekki, and Badagry, and
regions within the Niger Delta,
such as Bonny Island, Brass,
and Forcados, were selected
based on their vulnerability to
sea level rise and their
significance in national coastal
development.
The selection criteria were
based on factors such as:
Historical records of flooding
and erosion incidents.
Vulnerability to storm surges
and coastal inundation.
Presence of urban and rural
communities with varying
levels of preparedness and
resilience.
Within these areas, a random
sampling method was applied
to select households for the
survey. This approach ensured
that a diverse range of
respondents from different
socio-economic backgrounds
were included, enhancing the
representativeness of the
sample.
3.4.3 Data Collection
Techniques
This study used both primary
and
secondary data collection
methods to gather
comprehensive information on
the effects of sea level rise.
1. Field Observations
On-site observations were
conducted in selected coastal
communities to document
signs of erosion, tidal
flooding, and infrastructure
damage. These observations
were made at various times of
the day and across different
seasons to capture variations
in flooding events, especially
during high tides or storms.
Fieldwork also involved:
Assessing the vulnerability of
coastal infrastructure, including
roads, buildings, and
transportation networks,
which are critical in
determining the adaptive
capacity of the community.
Identifying adaptation
measures such
as elevated buildings, flood
barriers, or vegetation used for
erosion control.
Recording physical evidence of
coastal changes, including
shifts in shorelines, flood-prone
areas, and newly submerged
zones.

2. Structured
Questionnaires
To collect socio-economic
data, structured
questionnaires were
developed and administered to
various stakeholders,
including:
Households: Capturing the
impact of sea level rise on
housing, livelihood, and
migration patterns.
Local leaders and
community representatives:
Gaining insights into
community awareness,
adaptation strategies, and local
policies related to climate
change and coastal
management.
Municipal officers: Collecting
data on local government
initiatives, resources allocated
for flood management, and
policies for climate adaptation.
The questionnaires were
designed to include both
closed-ended questions (for
quantitative analysis) and
open-ended questions (for
qualitative responses),
covering areas such as:
Awareness of climate change
and sea level rise.

Perceived risks and impacts on

community life (e.g.,
displacement, loss of
livelihood).

Adaptation and coping

mechanisms (e.g., relocation,
changes in farming practices,
insurance coverage).

Access to government support

and disaster relief.
3. Key Informant
Interviews
In addition to the structured
questionnaires, key informant
interviews were conducted
with environmental experts,
marine scientists, and local
policy-makers. These
interviews aimed to gather
expert opinions on the causes
and impacts of sea level rise,
current adaptation measures,
and the challenges faced by
the communities in the study.