Urbanization and climate change: a recipe for disaster for coastal ecosystem and human health

Geoff Scott, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina

Dr. Geoff Scott is a Clinical Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina.

Results from several studies assessing coastal development impacts will be presented in light of the additive effects of climate change including enhanced impacts on ecosystem health (e.g. enhanced occurrence of multiple antibiotic resistance pathogens and increased mobilization of both legacy chemicals from global ice flows as well as recent inputs of Contaminants of Emerging Concern) and public health (sea food safety and contact recreation concerns). In addition, the effect of increased chemical contaminant exposure on altering thermal tolerances of marine organism will also be discussed as a body of evidence is emerging that chemical contaminants may possibly lower upper thermal tolerances of marine species. Also impacts from “Contaminants of Emerging Concern” such as nanomaterials, flame retardants and Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products will be discussed from both an urbanization/climate change perspective.