part 1. Coastal communities and the climate change imperative -- part 2. Climate change and the coastal zone : North America -- part 3. Climate change and the coastal zone : South and Southeast Asia -- part 4. Climate change and the coastal zone : Australasia -- part 5. Climate change and the coastal zone : small islands -- part 6. Climate change and the coastal zone : South America -- part 7. Climate change and the coastal zone : Europe -- part 8. Climate change and the coastal zone : Africa -- part 9. Conclusion and practical steps for adapting to climate change.