Several studies have identified sandy coastlines as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because they are made up of loose sand grains that are easily eroded by waves. A
in 2018 showed that 24% of sandy coasts globally were already experiencing persistent net erosion because of climate change, and this was projected to get even worse in the future.for biodiversity, carbon storage, agriculture and tourism.of South African coastlines I examined the properties that contribute to their physical and biological resilience. Coastal landforms can buffer the effects of climate change and provide ecosystem and environmental services.
Not all sandy coastlines respond in the same ways to climate, in part because they are made up of different landforms. Research shows that these landformsTheir varied behaviors mean that a range of management responses are required to limit the impacts of climate change on these landforms, and this is the challenge facing all coasts globally in the 21st century.
However, there are some problems. Many management approaches used in the past are inappropriate or have actually made the situation worse. A classic example is where a sea wall or revetment is built along an eroding sandy coastline. This is usually a hard, high, straight structure, often built of concrete and designed to stabilize the coastline and keep the sea out.
Instead, different approaches are needed. Working with—and not against—the natural processes and landforms that already exist along sandy coastlines may be a more effective and cheaper option. This is where natural beaches or sand dunes may protect the land against