Perhaps we are taking beaches for granted.
Since the late 1800s average sea levels have risen 20cm. They are expected to rise a further half-meter in the next 80 years. Propelled by storms and coastal flooding the number could go up by twice as much, whilst failure to curb emissions could push them a further 30-40cm. This implies that by 2050 Kiribati may be permanently submerged, China’s Pear river delta could find itself underwater. Meanwhile Jakarta is already sinking by 25cm a year and California’s coastline is in deep peril.
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One in seven of Earth’s population live less than ten meters above sea level. Entire coastal cities would have to invest in coastal protection, entire low-laying nations are requesting climate-refugee status in other countries.
Investing in climate resilience today will be imperative if the world still wants to enjoy beaches in the coming century.
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