One of the major problems of climate change - especially for low countries boarding to the sea - is the rise of sea level. Several islands have already suffered the consequenses, like loss of homes and/or beaches in coastal areas. The rise of temperatures in coastal areas is a cause for worry but it doesn´t (yet) physically affect people living in coastal areas.
Yes, it is true that in story-telling, the conflict generally produces a struggle leading to a sequence of events resulting in suspense or excitement, although this conflict can take different "shapes" and develop as the characters try to solve it.