20 Cities at High Risk from Rising Sea Levels, Including 2 U.S. Beaches

Researchers have found that rising sea levels could drastically reshape coastlines, with several nations potentially losing over 60% of their sandy beaches under both moderate and worst-case climate change scenarios.1

But what’s truly alarming is that this coastal erosion isn’t just a distant threat—it’s happening now, and it’s happening faster than we thought. The study paints a dire picture for coastal cities around the world

1. Landmark Beach, Nigeria

Landmark Beach Nigeria ss1908805408
Image Credit: Skymark Images/Shutterstock

A popular tourist destination known for its lively atmosphere, Landmark Beach faces a dire future with a projected loss of 3,012 feet of shoreline by 2100. This drastic erosion will likely alter the landscape of this bustling coastal area significantly.

2. Mackenzie Beach, Cyprus

Mackenzie Beach Cyprus ss1119840137
Image Credit: Gts/Shutterstock

Famous for its soft sands and clear waters, Mackenzie Beach faces the potential disappearance of 2,168 feet of shoreline by the end of the century. This loss could severely impact tourism and the local ecosystem that relies on the beach.

3. Spiaggia La Cinta Beach, Italy

Spiaggia La Cinta Beach Italy ss2411948355
Image Credit: Stefan Ihmels/Shutterstock

This picturesque beach, renowned for its stunning dunes and turquoise waters, is projected to lose 1,687 feet of its shoreline. This erosion could dramatically reshape the landscape and threaten the biodiversity of this beloved coastal spot.

4. Praia Da Costa Do Sol, Mozambique

Praia Da Costa Do Sol Mozambique ss1354728650
Image Credit: Raphael Borges/Shutterstock

A vibrant beach known for its fishing culture and beautiful sunsets, Praia Da Costa Do Sol risks losing 1,488 feet of its coast. This could displace communities and disrupt the local economy that depends heavily on the ocean.

5. Kuakata Sea Beach, Bangladesh

Kuakata Sea Beach Bangladesh ss2494381123
Image Credit: saifurbbsl/Shutterstock

A serene beach attracting tourists and pilgrims alike, Kuakata Sea Beach faces a loss of 1,186 feet of its coastline. This erosion threatens to submerge homes and businesses, displacing thousands of people who rely on the beach for their livelihoods.

6. Kabyar Wa Beach, Myanmar

Kabyar Wa Beach Myanmar ss1692430954
Image Credit: Michelle Holihan/Shutterstock

This picturesque beach known for its serene atmosphere and stunning sunsets is projected to lose 1,154 feet of shoreline by 2100. This drastic erosion could significantly alter the landscape and impact the local communities that rely on the beach for their livelihood.

7. Entry of Elegushi Beach, Nigeria

Entry of Elegushi Beach Nigeria ss1132027892
Image Credit: Alucardion/Shutterstock

A popular spot for recreation and tourism, Entry of Elegushi Beach is expected to experience a significant loss of 1,109 feet of its coastline by 2100. This erosion threatens to disrupt the local economy and displace communities that depend on the beach.

8. Royal Commission Beach Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Royal Commission Beach Yanbu Saudi Arabia ss2426869659
Image Credit: KHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ/Shutterstock

This man-made beach, known for its pristine waters and recreational facilities, faces a potential loss of 1,103 feet of its shoreline. This erosion could damage infrastructure and affect tourism in the area.

9. Simaisma North Beach, Qatar

Qatar Flag dp12014519
Image Credit: selensergen/Deposit Photos

A beautiful beach known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere, Simaisma North Beach is projected to lose 980 feet of its shoreline by 2100. This could significantly impact the local ecosystem and recreational activities in the area.

10. Al Thakhira Beach, Qatar

Al Thakhira Beach Qatar ss2402434019
Image Credit: Damitha Rukshan/Shutterstock

This tranquil beach, popular for fishing and camping, faces a loss of 915 feet of its coastline. This erosion could affect the natural habitat and disrupt the livelihoods of those who rely on the beach for their income.

11. Playa Akumal, Mexico

Playa Akumal Mexico dp193072278
Image Credit: SimonDannhauer/Deposit Photos

Known for its vibrant coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites, Playa Akumal faces a significant threat with a projected loss of 872 feet of shoreline by 2100. This erosion could severely damage the marine ecosystem and disrupt the local tourism industry that relies on the beach’s natural beauty.

12. Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

Ngapali Beach Myanmar dp214677202
Image Credit: posztos/Deposit Photos

Famed for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, Ngapali Beach is projected to lose 819 feet of shoreline by the end of the century. This loss could severely impact the local tourism industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

13. Patenga Sea Beach, Bangladesh

Patenga Sea Beach Bangladesh ss2042014847
Image Credit: Shuvro Nandy/Shutterstock

A popular tourist spot known for its stunning sunsets and bustling fish market, Patenga Sea Beach faces a loss of 806 feet of its coastline. This erosion could displace communities and disrupt the local economy that relies heavily on the beach and its resources.

14. Beach of Morro Branco, Brazil

Beach of Morro Branco Brazil dp124319338
Image Credit: vitormarigo/Deposit Photos

Renowned for its unique red cliffs and labyrinthine dunes, the Beach of Morro Branco is projected to lose 737 feet of shoreline by 2100. This erosion could significantly alter the landscape and threaten the biodiversity of this iconic coastal attraction.

15. St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

St Brelades Bay Beach Jersey ss2030402090
Image Credit: Gary Le Feuvre/Shutterstock

A picturesque beach known for its gentle waves and family-friendly atmosphere, St. Brelade’s Bay Beach faces a potential loss of 701 feet of its shoreline. This erosion could impact tourism and recreational activities, as well as the natural habitats along the coast.

16. Cape Henlopen State Park, United States

Cape Henlopen State Park United States ss2446659337
Image Credit: Liz Albro Photography/Shutterstock

A popular destination for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching, Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware faces the potential loss of 672 feet of its scenic shoreline by 2100. This erosion threatens to disrupt the diverse ecosystems and recreational activities that the park supports.

17. Playa Veracruz, Panama

Playa Veracruz Panama ss1490333156
Image Credit: Mabelin Santos/Shutterstock

Known for its soft, black sand and vibrant nightlife, Playa Veracruz is projected to lose 664 feet of shoreline by the end of the century. This loss could severely impact tourism and the livelihoods of those who rely on the beach’s unique beauty and attractions.

18. Dado Beach, Israel

Dado Beach Israel ss1817670431
Image Credit: Luciano Santandreu/Shutterstock

A bustling beach popular for water sports and sunbathing, Dado Beach faces a potential loss of 661 feet of its shoreline. This erosion could affect tourism and recreational activities, as well as the local businesses that depend on beachgoers.

19. Clearwater Beach, United States

Clearwater Beach United States dp388734544
Image Credit: AlKan32/Deposit Photos

Famed for its sugar-white sand and clear blue waters, Clearwater Beach in Florida is projected to lose 635 feet of shoreline by 2100. This could significantly impact the tourism industry and the local economy, as well as the beach’s natural beauty.

20. Blavand Beach, Denmark

Blavand Beach Denmark dp673753142
Image Credit: Steidi/Deposit Photos

A scenic beach known for its expansive sand dunes and strong winds, Blavand Beach faces the potential loss of 601 feet of its coastline. This erosion could alter the unique landscape and impact the recreational activities that the beach offers, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Source:

  1. Nature Climate Change
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.