Without drastic mitigation of climate change, sea level rise is projected to accelerate and will require additional coastal engineering protection projects . Despite their efficiency for the few next decades, these engineering options have also adverse impacts for coastal ecosystems and may not ensure that the recreative value of Mediterranean coasts can be sustained . Among nature-based solutions, there are immediate benefits of restoring dunes and coastal wetlands to restore a buffer zone between coastal infrastructure and the sea and therefore reduce coastal risks . Yet, this kind of protection is not feasible everywhere, particularly in urbanised areas, where it faces its limits. The limits for adaptation in the Mediterranean to further acceleration of sea level rise have stimulated ideas of large-scale geoengineering projects such as surface height control dams at Gibraltar. However, such projects come with unknown risks for humans and ecosystems.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report