A recent study revealed a serious threat to the coasts of Chile: the neighboring country is facing the disappearance of 80 beaches due to a combination of climate change and the impact of real estate developments. This phenomenon affects not only the country’s tourist attraction but also its economy, environment, and quality of life.
According to research led by Carolina Martínez, a doctor in geography and member of the Coast Observatory, the erosion of beaches in Chile has intensified in narrow and urbanized coastlines. Martínez points out that the rates of retreat have tripled in recent decades.
In Santo Domingo, for example, the beach is receding at an alarming rate of 5.7 meters per year, while in Los Molles, a loss of half a meter per year is recorded. In locations like La Boca de Concón, storm surges have reduced wide beaches to narrow strips of sand.
Main Causes: Climate Change and Uncontrolled Urbanization
Climate change is the main culprit, with rising sea levels and increased frequency of storm surges exacerbating coastal erosion. However, human activities also play a crucial role.
The construction of real estate projects in vulnerable areas, such as wetlands and dunes, has accelerated the deterioration of beaches. In Algarrobo, for instance, the installation of coastal structures and other rigid structures intensified erosive effects, while in Los Molles, urbanization of a wetland led to recurrent floods.
Carolina Martínez states that one of the factors is the absence of effective public policies, stemming from a lack of integrated management to protect coastal areas, leaving beaches unprotected.
beach
Beaches at Higher Risk
The study highlights a group of the 80 beaches facing the greatest threats of disappearance:
- Hornitos
- Pichicuy
- Concón Bay
- Reñaca
- Caleta Portales
- Algarrobo
- Cartagena Bay
- Santo Domingo
- Los Molles
- Pichilemu
These beaches are not only tourist icons but also important social spaces and vital ecosystems.
What is being done to reverse the situation?
Despite increasing scientific warnings, political actions have been insufficient. Experts and local communities demand urgent measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and regulate human intervention on the coasts.
In some cases, like in Los Molles, residents have initiated legal actions against real estate projects exacerbating erosion. However, a broader and coordinated approach is needed to ensure the preservation of these ecosystems.
The disappearance of Chilean beaches not only impacts the environment but also represents significant losses in cultural, economic, and social terms. Halting this process requires a joint commitment from the government, communities, and private sectors to implement sustainable and effective policies to protect these critical areas.
beach
What are the dangers of beach disappearance?
The disappearance of beaches can have ecological, economic, and health consequences.
- Ecological: Beaches protect coastal communities from storms and harsh weather. Coastal erosion can also impact marine ecosystems, reducing fish populations which, combined with alterations in marine ecosystems caused by climate change, lead to species disappearance.
- Economic: Coastal erosion can damage tourist infrastructure and properties near the coast, negatively affecting local economies.
- Health: Water pollution at beaches can cause infections or diseases, such as ear infections, eye conditions, or skin problems.
Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land, sediments, and rocks along the coast. It can be caused by waves, currents, tides, waterborne ice, among other factors.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
