Greenpeace Warns: Sea Is Rising, Portuguese Coasts Are At Risk

While walking along the magnificent 2,500-kilometer coastline stretching from the north to the south of Portugal, the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves always give you a special sense of peace. However, the recent events along the coast and the data presented to us clearly show that this beauty is under serious threat.

The latest report signed by Greenpeace, highlighted by Euronews in its report, draws a very sensitive picture about the future of the coasts. Destruction Along the Coast – Portrait of Portugal's Coastline at Risk estimates that 40% of Portugal's beaches are at risk of disappearing by 2100.

Erosion and Rising Sea Level

When we follow the change in the coastline in the field, we see that the rise in ocean level is not just a theoretical climate debate, but has become a concrete reality that directly touches life. Storms, especially in the winter months, and construction pressure on the coasts are accelerating coastal erosion day by day.

One of the most critical points highlighted in Greenpeace's report is the inadequacy of coastal protection policies. Excessive concreting and degradation of the natural structure further trigger erosion. If radical steps are not taken, many iconic beaches where we walk and spend time today may be submerged in the coming decades.

What kind of road lies ahead of us?

Preserving the natural balance and protecting the coasts is no longer an issue that can be postponed. Coastal structures need to be harmonized with nature, sustainable coastal management must be adopted, and local governments must reflect their climate adaptation plans on the field as soon as possible. Otherwise, one of Portugal's greatest assets, its ocean shores, will melt away before our eyes.