Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, delta systems, and coral reefs are increasingly at risk due in large part to settlement and development along rapidly urbanizing coasts. The resulting degradation of these ecosystems, especially the degradation of natural infrastructure, increasingly exposes coastal cities and their inhabitants to more frequent and severe natural hazards and disproportionately impacts poor populations who often rely on
these ecosystems for livelihoods, food, and other essential benefits.