Water in the World: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Access and Sustainability

Linking Social Sustainability to Sea Level Rise Through Vulnerability in Wicomico County, Maryland

DIGS 220

Complications to sustainability, such as sea level rise, have not been well understood within the discipline. The purpose of this research is to link social sustainability and sea level rise through a GIS analysis of indicators. Utilizing Wicomico County, Maryland, as a case study, this research compiles a vulnerability analysis to determine the status for sustainability and sea level rise planning for the coastal community. These outcomes fill some gaps in the literature related to social sustainability, climate change, and sustainability planning. However, this research also offers ample opportunity for future research into specific issues. The research uncovers areas that need further examination, such as how evacuation routing may be affected by sea level rise and how poverty areas should prepare for climate change. Future work would broaden the geographic scope and compare similar local entities internationally, allowing for a better understanding of the spatial relationship in perceptions of sustainability and sea level rise.