Implications of climate change on the coastal zone of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

702001-101749-1569-B
Author : Umi Amira Jamaluddin, Choun-Sian Lim & Joy Jacqueline Pereira
Publication : Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia
Page : 107 - 119
Volume Number : 66
Year : 2018
DOI : https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm66201814

Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, No. 66, December 2018, pp. 107 – 119

Implikasi perubahan iklim terhadap zon pesisir pantai di
Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
(Implications of climate change on the coastal zone of
Kuala Selangor, Malaysia)

Umi Amira Jamaluddin, Choun-Sian Lim & Joy Jacqueline Pereira*
Pusat Kajian Bencana Asia Tenggara (SEADPRI-UKM)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
*Corresponding author email address: joy@ukm.edu.my

Abstrak: Perubahan iklim adalah perubahan corak iklim disebabkan oleh punca semula jadi dan antropogenik yang mempengaruhi aktiviti manusia dan ekosistem semulajadi. Senario masa depan (2025-2034 dan 2041-2050) menunjukkan kenaikan suhu permukaan sebanyak 1.6-2.3°C dan kejadian hujan ekstrem (antara -55% hingga + 68%) di Kuala Selangor, berbanding dengan tahap masa lampau (1984-1993). Kenaikan paras laut untuk 2100 dijangka sebanyak 0.5 m. Perubahan iklim merupakan ancaman yang serius kepada sistem manusia dan ekosistem semula jadi di zon pesisir pantai Kuala Selangor. Peningkatan suhu permukaan dijangka mengakibatkan pengurangan pengeluaran hasil padi dan kelapa sawit. Keadaan iklim dan hidrologi yang ekstrem dijangka menyumbang kepada penyusutan tersebut. Kenaikan paras air laut akan meningkatkan kerentanan pembanjiran pantai di kawasan rendah dan seterusnya menjejaskan guna tanah yang sedia ada. Hampir 91% daripada komponen yang terdedah adalah kawasan pertanian dan hutan manakala yang selebihnya terdiri daripada kawasan pengangkutan, kediaman, infrastruktur, perniagaan, institusi awam dan industri (termasuk industri akuakultur). Selain itu, potensi perejahan air masin ke dalam akuifer pantai air bawah tanah semakin meningkat seiring dengan peningkatan paras air laut dan ini membawa implikasi terhadap sumber air bawah tanah yang bersih. Implikasi perubahan iklim terhadap zon pesisir pantai di Kuala Selangor dapat ditangani dengan menjalankan langkah adaptasi yang mengambilkira kedua-dua aspek permukaan dan sub-permukaan yang disepadukan ke dalam dasar perancangan zon pesisir pantai. Langkah adaptasi yang berkesan melibatkan pengumpulan maklumat saintifik, penilaian risiko, penentuan objektif adaptasi, penilaian adaptasi, pemilihan langkah adaptasi yang sesuai, perancangan, pelaksanaan dan pemantauan.

Kata kunci: Perubahan iklim, kenaikan paras air laut, zon pesisir pantai, penilaian kerentanan, Kuala Selangor

Abstract: Climate change is a variation in climate patterns due to natural and anthropogenic causes that affect human activity and natural ecosystems. Future projections (2025-2034 and 2041-2050) indicate increases in surface temperature of between 1.6 – 2.3°C and extreme rainfall events (between -55% to +68%) in Kuala Selangor, compared to previous levels (1984-1993). Sea-level rise projected for 2100 is about 0.5 m. Climate change poses a serious threat to humans and natural ecosystems in the coastal zone of Kuala Selangor. The projected increase in surface temperature is expected to reduce the yield from paddy and oil palm plantations. Extreme climate and hydrological conditions are expected to contribute to this decline. Projected sea level rise will increase the susceptibility of low-lying areas to coastal inundation and compromise existing land use. Almost 91% of the exposed components are agricultural and forest areas while the rest comprises transport, residential, infrastructure, business, public institutions and industy (including aquaculture). In addition, the potential for saline intrusion into groundwater aquifers increases as the sea level rises and this has implications for fresh groundwater resource. The implications of climate change in Kuala Selangor can be addressed by undertaking adaptive measures that take into account both surface and sub-surface aspects, which are then integrated into the coastal zone planning policy. Effective adaptation involves the collection of scientific information, risk assessment, determination of adaptation objectives, assessment of adaptation options, selection of appropriate adaptation measures, planning, implementation and monitoring.

Keywords: Climate change, sea level rise, coastal zone, susceptibility assessment, Kuala Selangor

https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm66201814