Population dynamics, delta vulnerability and environmental change: comparison of the Mekong, Ganges–Brahmaputra and Amazon delta regions

• DOI: 10.1007/s11625-016-0372-6
• Publication Date: 2016-05-26T10:38:41Z
• Authors: Sylvia Szabo; Eduardo Brondizio; Fabrice G. Renaud; Scott Hetrick; Robert J. Nicholls; Zoe Matthews; Zachary Tessler; Alejandro Tejedor; Zita Sebesvari; Efi Foufoula-Geor...; Sandra da Costa; John A. Dearing
• Keywords: Environmental change; Vulnerability

Tropical delta regions are at risk of multiple threats including relative sea level rise and human alterations, making them more vulnerable to extreme floods, storms, surges, salinity intrusion, other hazards which could also increase in magnitude frequency with a changing climate. Given the environmental vulnerability tropical deltas, understanding interlinkages between population dynamics change these is crucial for ensuring efficient policy planning progress toward social ecological sustainability. Here, we provide an overview trends Ganges-Brahmaputra, Mekong Amazon deltas. Using data sources, census Demographic Health Surveys, discussion regarding components undertaken context factors affecting demographic landscape three regions. We find that all cases broadly reflective national trends, although important differences exist within across study areas. Moreover, have been experiencing shifts structures resulting aging populations, latter being most rapid delta. The impacts on different important, extensive research required effectively quantify underlying relationships. paper concludes by discussing selected implications sustainable development beyond.