This report identifies the stressors affecting countries’ coastal zones and gives an overview of adaptation actions that can help practitioners integrate climate considerations into coastal development work. It is a sector-specific complement to USAID's Climate-resilient Development Framework, a “development-first” approach to climate change adaptation.

For those managing, planning for, or funding projects in the coastal zone, understanding the implications of climate variability and climate change is important for long-term success.

Coastal areas throughout the world are home to important resources, industries and significant population centers. They provide wild fish and foods; recreational, cultural, and religious experiences; and storm protection from natural buffers such as wetlands, mangrove forests, and barrier islands.

These areas are under pressure from population growth, urbanization, land degradation, pollution, poor management, ineffective regulatory frameworks, unplanned development, over-extraction of resources and unsustainable resource harvesting practices.

Climate stressors on coastal zones include sea level rise, projected changes in air and sea temperatures, and extreme weather events such as tropical storms.

The report projects how climate change may affect coastal zones and suggests adaptations principles for considering each impact. Possible actions are listed in an appendix.