Scientists warn of a phenomenon that has been observed on a third of the world’s beaches

A new study, summarized by Down to Earth magazine, showed that a third of the world’s sandy coasts have become “hardened” by man-made structures.

What is happening?

Coastal hardening refers to the process by which humans build solid structures, such as piers, harbors, or roads, to protect coastlines from erosion and flooding.


While these structures may seem like a good defense against rising sea levels and storms, they also threaten beaches.

The study determined that the Bay of Bengal is the most affected, with 84 percent of its coastline now blocked by these solid structures.

Other regions such as Western Europe, the Mediterranean, North America and East Asia also face similar issues, with some areas showing coastal hardening of more than 60 percent.

Why does the phenomenon cause concern?

The phenomenon is particularly concerning because large numbers of the population live along coastlines, with up to 75 percent of the population of some areas living about 60 miles from shore.

As climate change causes sea levels to rise and storms intensify, these areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

While such extreme weather events have always happened, human-driven changes in climate are making them stronger and more dangerous to our societies.

If carbon pollution continues at its current rate, we could see the loss of up to 26 percent of sandy beaches by the end of the century, according to the study.

What is being done about it?

There are steps being taken to address this issue, and reducing carbon pollution is key to slowing coastal erosion and relieving pressure on beaches.

Some regions are also turning to nature-based solutions, such as restoring sand dunes, wetlands and mangroves, to help protect beaches, as well as focusing on urban planning.

At the individual level, reducing carbon pollution, supporting sustainable infrastructure, reducing plastic use and pushing for climate-friendly policies can make a difference. (Sky News)

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