We are running out of beaches on the planet. And we don’t realize because they are filling them at an indecent price

There is something much worse than the appearance of algae either Fecal matter On the beaches. Even above of systematic “theft” That is being done on the coasts to continue raising brick, there is a silent reality whose ending is a scenario where, directly, we run out of beaches on the planet. That process is not just happening, we are spending a fortune at all.

Global threat. I told this week The Financial Times In an extensive report. Rodanthein the Outer Banks of North Carolina, exemplifies the serious erosion suffered They have collapsed at sea.

The problem, aggravated by more intense storms, strong tides and the rise in the level of the sea associated with climate change, is now amplified by a critical factor: the Sand scarcityresource that acts as a natural barrier to floods and temporal, but whose growing demand (especially For construction) it more expensive and limits its availability.

The (no) trick. He method More common to stop erosion has been the “beach regeneration”, moving sand From other points, but in Rodanthe the initial cost would exceed 40 million dollarssomething unassumable for the municipality. This leaves as options the planned withdrawal of infrastructure or resistance until the waves dictate the end.

Erosion as a structural challenge. Of course, there is a lot more. Cities such as Miami, Barcelona or the Australian Gold Coast face constant sand losses that threaten their beaches, vital for tourism and local economy. In Barcelona, erosion annual 30,000 m³ It is aggravated with each temporary, and although dikes and breakwaters have been added, the setback continues.

In the Gold CoastCyclone Alfred in March started so much sand that left stretches of the retaining wall; Restoring the coast will cost three years and 40 million Australian dollars. The dilemma It is global: 10% of the population lives less than 5 km of the coast and urbanization slows the natural flows of sand, aggravating the problem.

Steal sand. And yes, even scientists already They have warned On several occasions that sustaining beaches artificially is increasingly difficult and extremely expensive, and that in some cases it would be more sensible to allow the coastline to migrate inland, although socially and politically complex.

The dilemma of providing sand. Regeneration It has advantages in front of rigid structures such as retaining walls, which can intensify erosion in adjacent areas. However, it is temporary and its duration depends on local geology, climate and human pressure: some beaches require new contributions every two years, others last a decade.

In the United States, where it has been applied for a century, they have been treated almost 600 beachesreaching a maximum of 50 million m³ in 2019. The problem? That the search for proper sand It is complicated: In North Carolina, local reserves are exhausted, in Miami transport is used from inside, and environmental objections, such as marine habitats, delay projects. Plus: Powerful storms can erase millionaire investments.

Perspectives and answers. In places with moderate erosion or abundant reserves, such as the Netherlands, regeneration is a State policy: The country invests the 0.3% of your GDP Annual in flood risk management and has 12 million m³ of sand available every year, sufficient to protect entire cities.

On the other hand, in areas with severe erosion and overflowing costs, planned withdrawal can be the only viable output, implying controlled expropriations and demolitions. The Times told that in Rodanthe, the National Parks Service acquired and demolished two houses valued in millions to return the land to public use, but There are no funds For more purchases. Many residents, aware of living in the “land of changing sands”, assume that the sea will gain ground and prepare to sell when the water reaches wetlands.

Battle against time (and economy). In short, the Sand scarcityits increase and the increase in coastal erosion draw a future in which to keep the current beaches looks like it is unfeasible for many communities.

Although Regeneration It remains the preferred option to protect local properties and economies, its physical, financial and environmental limits. rethink strategies. The dilemma between spending more and more to contain the sea or yield terrain to nature will mark the future of much of the inhabited coasts, and the margin of maneuver is narrowed as the climate and the demand for sand accelerate the process.

Image | Pxhere, Public Domaine, Petra

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