How climate-driven coastal erosion is reshaping shorelines in India and beyond

Coastal or Shoreline erosion, which refers to the gradual loss of land along the edge of a body of water, is tracked by observing how the shoreline’s position changes or shifts horizontally over time. This process is often linked to natural events like storm surges, hurricanes, windstorms, tsunamis, and floods. However, it can also be intensified by human activities such as boat traffic, the construction of hard structures along the shore, and dredging. Additionally, phenomena like El Niño and climate change, including rising sea levels, contribute to the problem. The main concerns about coastal erosion revolve around its economic impacts, particularly when properties and infrastructure near eroding coastlines lose their natural defenses against water and waves or become unstable due to land destabilization.

Understanding Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Natural factors include the action of waves, tidal currents, and storm surges, which constantly reshape coastlines. Human activities, such as construction along coastlines, sand mining, and the destruction of natural barriers like mangroves and coral reefs, have exacerbated these natural processes.

Climate change amplifies these challenges by causing sea-level rise, increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, and altering precipitation patterns. Global sea levels have risen by about 20 cm since 1900, and the rate of rise is accelerating. This rise in sea levels increases the vulnerability of coastal regions to erosion .

Global Examples of Coastal Erosion

United States: Louisiana Coastline

The Louisiana coastline in the United States is one of the most rapidly eroding coasts globally. The region loses an area equivalent to a football field every hour due to a combination of natural subsidence, sea-level rise, and human activities like oil and gas extraction. The loss of coastal wetlands in Louisiana not only threatens local communities but also diminishes crucial habitats for wildlife .

United Kingdom: The Norfolk Coast

The Norfolk coast in eastern England has been experiencing significant erosion. The village of Happisburgh is a well-documented example, where several meters of land have been lost annually to the sea. The coastline has receded by up to 75 meters in some areas over the past century, forcing residents to abandon their homes .

Pacific Islands: Tuvalu and Kiribati

Low-lying Pacific island nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati are on the frontline of climate change-induced coastal erosion. Rising sea levels and increased storm surges are not only eroding the coastlines but also threatening the very existence of these nations. In Kiribati, entire villages have been relocated, and the government is actively seeking solutions, including the possibility of relocating the entire population to other countries .

Bangladesh: The Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, spanning India and Bangladesh, is under severe threat from coastal erosion. Rising sea levels and increased salinity have led to the loss of vast tracts of land, displacing communities and threatening the unique biodiversity of the region, including the endangered Bengal tiger.

Coastal Erosion in India

India, with its extensive coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion. The impacts are particularly pronounced in states like Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

Odisha: The Disappearing Village of Satabhaya

Satabhaya, a cluster of seven villages in Odisha, is an alarming example of coastal erosion in India. Over the past few decades, six of these villages have been completely submerged by the sea. The last remaining village, Satabhaya, is rapidly losing land, forcing the government to relocate the residents. The primary causes include rising sea levels, increased cyclonic activity, and the loss of mangroves .

West Bengal: The Sinking Islands of the Sundarbans

The Indian side of the Sundarbans is facing severe coastal erosion. Islands like Ghoramara and Mousuni have seen significant land loss, displacing thousands of people. The rising sea levels, coupled with the destruction of mangroves for aquaculture and agriculture, have accelerated the erosion process. The displaced populations, often referred to as “climate refugees,” face an uncertain future .

Tamil Nadu: The Vanishing Shorelines

Tamil Nadu’s coastline, particularly around the town of Vedaranyam, has been experiencing significant erosion. The construction of dams and barriers on rivers, sand mining, and rising sea levels have contributed to the loss of beaches and coastal land. The erosion not only affects the local fishing communities but also poses a threat to coastal infrastructure and agriculture .

The Way Forward: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Addressing coastal erosion requires a multifaceted approach that combines mitigation and adaptation strategies. Some of these being implemented at different places include:

1. Restoration of Natural Barriers

Mangrove Restoration in the Sundarbans (India and Bangladesh): The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, and efforts have been made to restore and expand mangrove coverage to protect against coastal erosion and storm surges. The mangroves act as a natural barrier, reducing the impact of waves and stabilizing the coastline.

Coral Reef Restoration in the Maldives: The Maldives has been actively engaged in coral reef restoration projects to combat coastal erosion and protect the islands from rising sea levels. These efforts include coral planting and reef management to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

2. Sustainable Coastal Development

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the European Union: The EU has implemented ICZM as a strategy for sustainable coastal development. This approach includes strict regulations on construction and land use in coastal areas, as well as measures to manage coastal erosion through natural means.

Sand Dune Conservation in the Netherlands: The Dutch government has implemented a “Building with Nature” approach, which includes the conservation and restoration of sand dunes. These dunes act as a natural defense against coastal erosion and sea-level rise, protecting the hinterland from flooding.

3. Climate Change Mitigation

Paris Agreement (Global): The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. By mitigating climate change, the agreement indirectly helps in reducing the rate of sea-level rise and the frequency of extreme weather events that contribute to coastal erosion.

Renewable Energy Initiatives in Denmark: Denmark has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint by investing in wind energy and other renewable sources. This helps in climate change mitigation, which is essential for slowing the impacts of coastal erosion.

4. Community-Based Adaptation

Community-Based Mangrove Restoration in Vietnam: In Vietnam, local communities have been involved in mangrove restoration projects to combat coastal erosion. These projects not only protect the coast but also provide livelihoods for the communities through sustainable harvesting of mangrove resources.

Early Warning Systems in Bangladesh: Bangladesh has implemented early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness programs to help coastal communities respond effectively to cyclones and storm surges. These systems reduce the vulnerability of the population to the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding.

Conclusion

Coastal erosion is a global challenge that is being exacerbated by climate change. The impacts are felt acutely in vulnerable regions, where communities are losing their homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. In India, the effects are particularly severe in states like Odisha and West Bengal, where entire villages are being submerged by the sea. Addressing this issue requires urgent and coordinated action at local, national, and global levels to protect our coastlines and the communities that depend on them.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/coastal-erosion

https://ocean.si.edu/through-time/ancient-seas/sea-level-rise

https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/la-wetlands

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/56352/Challenges-of-coastal-erosion-and-flooding-set-for-discussion-by-councillors#:~:text=To%20compound%20the%20challenge%2C%20Norfolk,lost%20to%20erosion%20by%202105.

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/kiribati-climate-change

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Jun/02/residents-of-erosion-hit-odisha-villages-walk-20-km-to-vote#:~:text=The%2012%20km%20stretch%20of,a%20cluster%20of%20seven%20villages.

https://crimsonpublishers.com/eimbo/pdf/EIMBO.000633.pdf

Maldives Coral Reef Restoration

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE05-NAT-NL-000124/restoration-of-dune-habitats-along-the-dutch-coast#:~:text=By%20restoring%20the%20natural%20dynamic,benefits%20animal%20and%20plant%20species.

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement