Scientists have reported that more than half of the beaches of Cyprus may go under water as a result of climate change by the end of the XXI century. To prevent this, it is already necessary to strengthen the coastline.
Using satellite imagery, the researchers found 241 “unprotected” beaches – mostly narrow strips of sand. Their erosion is accelerating due to rising sea levels and severe storms.
The scientists then calculated the rise in sea level along the coast at different concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as the frequency and power of storms under different climate scenarios.
It turned out that even with an optimistic forecast, by 2050 29% of “unprotected” beaches will be under water, and by 2100 – 72%. In the worst case scenario, by the end of the century, they will all be swallowed up by water.