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

Szabo, Sylvia, Brondizio, Eduardo, Renaud, Fabrice G., Hetrick, Scott, Nicholls, Robert J., Matthews, Zoe, Tessler, Zachary, Tejedor, Alejandro, Sebesvari, Zita, Foufoula-Georgiou, Efi, da Costa, Sandra and Dearing, John A., (2016). Population dynamics, delta vulnerability and environmental change: comparison of the Mekong, Ganges–Brahmaputra and Amazon delta regions. Sustainability Science, 11(4), 539-554

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  • Sub-type Journal article
    Author Szabo, Sylvia
    Brondizio, Eduardo
    Renaud, Fabrice G.
    Hetrick, Scott
    Nicholls, Robert J.
    Matthews, Zoe
    Tessler, Zachary
    Tejedor, Alejandro
    Sebesvari, Zita
    Foufoula-Georgiou, Efi
    da Costa, Sandra
    Dearing, John A.
    Title Population dynamics, delta vulnerability and environmental change: comparison of the Mekong, Ganges–Brahmaputra and Amazon delta regions
    Appearing in Sustainability Science
    Volume 11
    Issue No. 4
    Publication Date 2016-05-25
    Place of Publication Tokyo
    Publisher Springer Japan
    Start page 539
    End page 554
    Language eng
    Abstract Tropical delta regions are at risk of multiple threats including relative sea level rise and human alterations, making them more and more vulnerable to extreme floods, storms, surges, salinity intrusion, and other hazards which could also increase in magnitude and frequency with a changing climate. Given the environmental vulnerability of tropical deltas, understanding the interlinkages between population dynamics and environmental change in these regions is crucial for ensuring efficient policy planning and progress toward social and ecological sustainability. Here, we provide an overview of population trends and dynamics in the Ganges–Brahmaputra, Mekong and Amazon deltas. Using multiple data sources, including census data and Demographic and Health Surveys, a discussion regarding the components of population change is undertaken in the context of environmental factors affecting the demographic landscape of the three delta regions. We find that the demographic trends in all cases are broadly reflective of national trends, although important differences exist within and across the study areas. Moreover, all three delta regions have been experiencing shifts in population structures resulting in aging populations, the latter being most rapid in the Mekong delta. The environmental impacts on the different components of population change are important, and more extensive research is required to effectively quantify the underlying relationships. The paper concludes by discussing selected policy implications in the context of sustainable development of delta regions and beyond.
    Keyword Population change
    Amazon Delta
    Mekong delta
    Ganges Brahmaputra Delta
    Copyright Holder The Authors
    Copyright Year 2016
    Copyright type Creative commons
    DOI 10.1007/s11625-016-0372-6
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    Created: Wed, 01 Feb 2017, 19:56:50 JST by Aarti Basnyat on behalf of UNU EHS