Recent global-scale research reveals a rapid weakening of coastlines worldwide, with growing concerns about the future of our beaches. The rise in sea levels triggered by climate change, coupled with intensified human activities in coastal areas, is rendering beaches unable to maintain their natural boundaries. Experts warn that if current trends persist, a significant portion of the coastlines could drastically shrink by the end of the century, and in some areas, they might disappear entirely.
According to experts, the rapid disappearance of coastlines is being propelled by both climate change and human activities that are concretizing the shores. Scientists warn that if the current trend continues, almost half of the world's beaches could vanish from the map before the end of the century.
The statement from Prof. Omar Defeo, a marine scientist at the University of the Republic in Uruguay, is far from comforting:
'Almost half of the beaches will be gone by the end of the century... Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina are all consuming the same resource. Therefore, it's imperative that we act together to protect our coastlines.'
The escalating rise in sea level, coupled with the burgeoning construction in coastal cities and relentless human pressure, is accelerating a process known as 'squeezing' on the beaches. When the natural cycle, which usually operates in balance between the sand dunes and the wave line, is disrupted, even the slightest sea storm becomes devastating.
Prof. Defeo underscores the fact that sand dunes actually serve as a massive buffer:
'When you obliterate the sand dunes, the power of the storm is knocking directly on the doors of homes.'
Biodiversity is also on the decline
In a study conducted with Brazilian researchers, 30 beaches around São Paulo were examined. The conclusion? The busier the beach, the lower the diversity of species. Add to this the uncontrolled construction on the sand and the use of mechanical beach cleaning machines, and the ecosystem is literally shattered.
The research also notes an increase in organisms in areas close to the shore, but don't mistake this for 'good news'; the proliferating species are not natural ones, but opportunistic creatures that feed on human waste. In other words, nature's 'scavengers' are taking over the beaches.
The primary causes of this melting are the rise in sea levels, alterations in wind and wave patterns, along with human impact.
According to Prof. Defeo, particularly steeply inclined shores and beaches with transitional features bear the brunt of human activities the most. Therefore, protecting the coasts is no longer just a regional matter, but a global collaboration issue.