The impacts of sea level rise and storm derived flooding on coastal town businesses : a case study on : Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa, and Imsida

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of sea level rise and storm-derived flooding as evaluated by local councils and the business community. It attempts to analyse any plans held by local councils and businesses operators in relation to sea level rise and coastal flooding. A mixed method approach was used while conducting interviews and scrutinizing the data collected. Interviews were held with the coastal local councils of Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Imsida, and Birżebbuġa and with forty businesses establishments within these localities. Business questionnaires were distributed as follows: 10 in Marsaskala, 14 in Marsaxlokk, 6 in Imsida, and 10 in Birżebbuġa. The quantitative data was analysed and presented in graphs and the qualitative data was analysed by the process of thematic analysis. The results highlighted that all local councils are aware about sea level rise, but not all acknowledge it as a threat to their respective towns. As for contingency plans, three out of four councils have no plans whatsoever. Looking at the business scenario, not all business owners have heard about sea level rise and storm derived flooding with the majority did not take into consideration the risk that projected sea level rise may bring upon their businesses both prior to setting up the business and for current operations. Moreover, none of the business operators have any plans to combat sea level rise. The researcher recommends that plans, policies, and strategies should be immediately drawn up and implemented from the local council perspective and that entrepreneurs should start developing their own plans and strategies.