Sea Level Rise: Mozambique's Coastal Cities

Sea level rise (SLR) poses significant risks to coastal regions worldwide, with over one billion people living in low-lying areas already experiencing its effects. Mozambique, with a population of 32.97 million and an extensive coastline, is particularly vulnerable to extreme events. This study examines the past and future dynamics of sea level rise along the Mozambican coast, focusing on the cities of Maputo, Inhambane, Beira, and Pemba. Using a combination of historical sea level data (2010-2020) and future projections (2021-2050) derived from global climate models (CMIP6) and oceanographic databases, the study analyzes regional variations in sea level behavior through time series and spatial distribution using Matlab for image visualization. The results highlight that Pemba and Maputo are the most vulnerable areas to rising sea levels. Therefore, integrated adaptation strategies are recommended, prioritizing nature-based solutions within disaster risk management frameworks to protect Mozambique's coastal communities and ecosystems, ensuring greater resilience to the ongoing and projected impacts of sea level rise.