kathimerini.gr
Severe Coastal Erosion Threatens Greece
Coastal erosion in Greece affects 28.6% of beaches, rising to 65.8% in Crete, due to climate change (3mm annual sea level rise) and human interventions like dams, threatening tourism, ports, and ecosystems.
- How do human interventions, such as dam construction, contribute to coastal erosion in specific regions of Greece, and what are the consequences?
- The study highlights a critical issue: coastal erosion in Greece is severe and accelerating. Climate change, raising sea levels by 3mm annually (instead of the expected 1mm), and human-made structures like dams that disrupt sediment flow are the main culprits. This erosion is particularly significant at river mouths and sandy beaches.
- What are the immediate impacts of coastal erosion in Greece, given the significant percentage of affected beaches and the country's ranking within the EU?
- A recent study revealed that 28.6% of Greek beaches show erosion, escalating to 65.8% in Crete, 45.1% in Central Macedonia, and 39% in Sterea Ellada. This ranks Greece fourth in the EU for coastal erosion. The situation is worsening due to climate change and human interventions like dams.
- Considering the projected sea-level rise and the current lack of a national coastal registry, what long-term strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion in Greece and protect its coastal ecosystems?
- Greece faces substantial consequences from coastal erosion by 2100, with sea levels projected to rise by 40cm to 1 meter. This will cause the loss of numerous beaches, impacting tourism, requiring port adjustments, and harming ecosystems like sea turtle nesting grounds. The lack of a national coastal registry hinders effective management.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue of coastal erosion in Greece as a serious and largely unaddressed problem. The use of phrases like "large but insufficiently studied problem" and the emphasis on significant percentages of affected coastline immediately sets a concerned tone. The inclusion of specific examples of coastal retreat further amplifies the severity of the situation. While this framing is supported by the expert's statements, it could potentially leave the reader with a feeling of pessimism and helplessness, neglecting any potential positive developments or mitigating efforts.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While the article highlights the severity of the problem, it uses factual data and expert quotes to support its claims. There is no use of inflammatory language or emotionally charged terms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the coastal erosion problem in Greece, providing specific examples and expert opinions. However, it omits mentioning any government initiatives or policies currently in place to address this issue. This omission could leave the reader with a sense of inaction and a lack of understanding of the existing efforts, if any. The article also doesn't discuss potential solutions or mitigation strategies beyond the implicit suggestion of better coastal management.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights coastal erosion in Greece, exacerbated by climate change leading to rising sea levels. This directly impacts climate action goals by demonstrating the negative consequences of climate change on coastal environments and infrastructure. The rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, tourism, and ecosystems, hindering progress towards climate resilience and adaptation.