Brazilian towns like Atafona have been affected by rising sea levels over the years - resulting in more often annual storm surges, erosion of the coastline, and destruction of property. The effects of rising sea levels along the Brazilian coast have been reported since 1995, with the publication of Muehe & Neves's “The Implications of Sea-Level Rise on the Brazilian Coast: A Preliminary Assessment.” (Link provided below)
The paper reflects the general attitudes of the people and researchers from 1995. Highlighting the Brazilian residents' belief that the sea levels would steadily decrease in time. By reading the paper, you can see how tide gauge records indicate coastal erosion beginning as far back as 1960, as well as an interesting section labeled “Human Occupation of the Coastline.” This section goes over how the Brazilian government in 1995 would financially back efforts to minimize the effects of the rising sea level. Ultimately the strategy was to increase taxes on people living in coastal areas and reallocate public funds.
Today sea levels continue to rise; this is supported by the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) releasing a statement in 2022 that utilizes the chart provided. (Link to the statement provided below). From 1995 when Muehe & Neves’s paper was published, to 2022, we see a roughly 50 mm increase in sea level. People still living in Brazilian coastal areas plead to government officials to implement strategies proposed by University Researchers to prevent further erosion, yet the only preventative measure utilized by the municipal government has been to place more than a thousand sandbags by especially vulnerable properties annually.
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