Sandy coast erosion threatens vital ecosystem services

Coastal zones provide services that are essential for human well-being, but they are under increasing threat from coastal erosion with accelerating sea level rise. Here, we value ecosystem services at risk of sandy coastline erosion worldwide in view of climate change. We find that 2.7-4.5% of the services provided by sandy coasts could be lost by 2150, depending on the warming scenario, but 13-21% of specifically coastal ecosystems. Particularly endangered are the prevention of soil degradation, moderation of extreme events, and tourism. The Caribbean, Central America and Western Asia would lose the highest share of their services, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Inland migration of sandy coasts, where possible, could reduce losses by 26-32%, but most coasts have limited retreat space due to anthropogenic or topographical barriers. We show that current ambient coastline change trends could substantially exacerbate the impacts, unless they are reversed by effective coastal management practices.