Abstract:

Global climate change causes a number of problems such as droughts, floods and storms. On the other hand, rising temperatures seriously threaten the existence of Earth's glaciers. While high areas on land will be indirectly affected, areas which have low altitude will be directly affected by rising sea level due to melting glaciers. The main objective of this research is determining the possible effects of sea level rise on Sinop Peninsula which is the most northern part of Anatolia by using Geographic Information Systems. For this purpose, considering of the estimations in the 5th evaluation report prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), topography maps produced with Digital Elevation Data was created and areas that could be at risk were determined. As a result of these studies, it has been concluded that the high coastal areas which lie most of the peninsula will not be directly affected by the rising sea level, but that some low areas such as Sarıkum Lake and its surrounding areas will be directly occupied by the sea and their sensitive ecosystems will be seriously threatened. Also, it was determined that historical, economic and sociocultural structure of the Sinop city center -especially the parts facing the inner harbor- will be damaged. Although it is a long-term problem, it is necessary to take effective precaution against the global climate change which we are beginning to feel deeply through the changes in precipitation. Within the framework of these precautions, it is proposed to raise public awareness about climate change. Also, it is suggested to give importance to clean and renewable energy sources rather than costly and dangerous, temporary solutions such as trying to control the shore.

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