Coastal urbanization: the challenge of management lag

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the response dynamics of management interventions in relation to coastal urbanization and its consequences for ecosystems and society. Design/methodology/approach - An extensive review of the literature was conducted on the characteristics of cities, sustainability science, and ocean governance/policy. Findings - In less than two decades the world's urban population is expected to add another 2.1 billion people with the majority located in coastal cities. Dramatic increases in human-induced stressors to coastal ecosystems are inevitable. The consequences represent one of the most urgent challenges for mankind, yet the magnitude and time lines are under-appreciated. Many urban challenges (e.g. pollution, infrastructure) do not scale linearly with population size. The result is that the per capita contribution to ecosystem stressors increases with urban growth. The environmental costs of time lags in management response therefore increase per unit time. Reduction of lag times in management responses to coastal urban environmental challenges is paramount and will require anticipation, greater institutional efficiencies, knowledge creation and a focus on action strategies. Originality/value - The study articulates the ecological consequences of coastal urbanization and the urgent challenge of reducing lags in management response times globally.