Are we experiencing the end of São Paulo’s beaches? According to a study carried out by the Institute for Environmental Research (IPA) in 2017, several beaches could be “swallowed up by the sea”. The São Paulo State Coastal Erosion Risk Map identified that around 28 spots could disappear over the years.
The vulnerability of the coastal region on the São Paulo coast causes concern for the inhabitants. In addition to people losing a leisure space, the environmental problem could generate a crisis in the tourist economy of these beaches. Many cities are adopting measures to prevent the advance of the sea, such as the creation of submerged barriers, walls and the use of sandbags. But so far, 40% of the Brazilian coastline faces the situation.
Check out the beaches that could be swallowed up by the sea
The constant maritime advance causes loss of space on beaches, affects local vegetation and buildings, generating a great risk for the population. See the list of beaches at risk of erosion:
- Ubatuba: Ubatumirim, Barra Seca, Itaguá, Praia Grande, Fortaleza and Maranduba;
- São Sebastião: Enseada, São Francisco, Pontal da Cruz and Baraqueçaba;
- Caraguatatuba: Tabatinga, Massaguaçu and Caraguatatuba;
- São Vicente: Gonzaguinha and Capitão;
- Bertioga: Itaguaré and São Lourenço;
- Iguape: Itacolomi, Jureia and Leste;
- Guarujá: Pernambuco and Astúrias;
- Ilha Comprida: Ilha Comprida;
- Ilhabela: Perequê and Itaguaçu;
- Peruíbe: Peruíbe and Guaraú;
- Itanhaém: Itanhaém.
What are the reasons behind this imminent tragedy?
Two factors are causing this environmental crisis. The first is coastal erosion which, despite being a natural process, is accelerated by human activities and negatively affects the soil’s natural cycles. The disorderly occupation of the coastline also has a major impact on this situation.
The second worrying factor is climate change. Rising sea levels and the increasing incidence of extreme weather events show how vulnerable coastal regions are and how easily they can suffer damage.
