Climate change research with respect to the coastal zone continues to be dominated by studies on the impacts of changing water levels (i.e., sea level rise and Great Lakes water level decline). While such work is extremely important, it is also necessary to better address impacts of other climate-related changes, such as storm processes and ice dynamics. Equally important is the need for integrated studies, which consider the physical, social and economic components of the coastal zone. Only by going beyond the traditional biophysical approach will comprehensive, integrated assessments of the vulnerability of Canada's coastal zone to climate change be developed.

Needs identified within the recent literature cited in this chapter include the following:

Impacts

1. Improved understanding and predictability of shoreline response to changing climate and water levels, particularly for highly vulnerable coastlines at the local level
2. Addressing issues of data availability and accessibility, including climate, water level and current data, as well as the capacity for future monitoring and data gathering
3. Improved understanding of how storm frequency and intensity, and sea-ice cover may be affected by climate change, and the resultant consequences for the coastal zone
4. Studies on how sea level rise would affect saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers, especially in regions that are dependent on groundwater resources

Adaptation

1. Integrated assessments of coastal zone vulnerability, including the capacity of existing coastal zone management policies to address impacts of climate variability and change
2. Studies that address human processes of adaptation, and the capacity of stakeholders and political institutions to respond to changing conditions
3. Research that identifies how stakeholders could benefit from potential opportunities that may be presented by climate change
4. Studies that derive realistic cost estimates for different adaptation options within the coastal zone, including consideration of the effect of differing rates of water level changes
5. Improved understanding of how human activities and policies affect coastal vulnerability to climate change, and barriers that exist to adaptation