As part of the project, three primarily qualitative scenarios have been developed, which have to consistently reflect the complex implications for Marseille, Amsterdam or London. Thus, the focus of the study is not on the facts of a five to six metre rise in sea levels, but on its significance for people.

The scenarios were developed in a series of interviews and workshops with stakeholders. The central scenario predicts an additional rise in sea levels of five metres within a century.

The social effects of a five to six metre sea level rise will be analysed. All three case study areas would be severely affected by a five to six metre rise in sea levels.

Based on a risk analysis and cost/benefit analysis, a reduction in greenhouse gases is essential to avoid the risk of the West Antarctic ice sheet collapsing. However, the probability of complete melting has not been calculated.

Study of the hypothetical adaptation measures in the three case study areas based on stakeholder consultations. The objective is to assess the social consequences of climate effects and adaptation to "conceivable worst case climate scenarios" in three case studies.