Experts warn of growing coastal erosion threat in Kuwait due to climate change
A rise of just one meter in sea levels could result in losses between 1 billion and 3.5 billion dinars in the real estate secto
Experts and academics have highlighted the growing threat of coastal erosion in Kuwait, exacerbated by global warming and rising sea levels.
The experts have discussed several mitigation strategies, such as nourishing beaches with sand, increasing coral reefs, and planting coastal vegetation.
Kuwaiti beaches, composed of weak, loose sediments like sand and clay, are particularly vulnerable to erosion due to their susceptibility to wave action and human interventions.
Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajri, President of the Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences, noted that coastal areas like sabkhas (mudflats) are highly fragile and prone to erosion. Additionally, according to Al-Rai daily, the absence of natural barriers like mangroves or coral reefs leaves Kuwaiti coasts exposed.
Environmental expert Jenan Behzad emphasized that coastal erosion is a growing global problem, causing habitat loss, infrastructure damage, and significant economic losses. In Kuwait, 90% of urban areas are located on the coast, with 58% of its shores vulnerable to submergence.
A rise of just one meter in sea levels could result in losses between 1 billion and 3.5 billion dinars in the real estate sector.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayegh proposed various solutions to protect the coast, including building eco-friendly seawalls, using sustainable sand-feeding techniques, and replanting coastal plants.
Dr. Al-Hajri emphasized the importance of integrating natural solutions and monitoring coastal areas to mitigate erosion, suggesting measures like replenishing beaches with sand and reinforcing coral reefs.
The coastal erosion issue is not new but has intensified in recent years due to climate change and increased human activity.
Four Key Causes of Coastal Erosion
Dr. Al-Hajri identified several primary factors contributing to coastal erosion:
- Destruction of Natural Barriers: The loss of protective features like coral reefs and sand dunes significantly accelerates erosion.
- Rising Sea Levels: Climate change and the melting of ice caps are causing sea levels to rise, increasing the risk of coastal erosion.
- Environmental Changes: Variations in temperature, humidity, and salinity gradually break down coastal rocks, weakening the shorelines.
- Wave Energy: The force of waves is the leading contributor to erosion, wearing away coastlines over time.
To address coastal erosion, Dr. Al-Hajri emphasized the need for solutions grounded in a thorough understanding of sediment movement, wave patterns, and coastal dynamics. Proposed strategies include:
Four Solutions to Combat Coastal Erosion
- Ongoing Monitoring: Using remote sensing and coastal system modeling to track changes and predict future erosion risks.
- Building Protective Structures: Designing soft protection systems such as artificial dunes and biological buffers to shield coastlines from erosion.
- Replenishing Beaches: Regularly adding sand to beaches to replace eroded material and maintain the coastline.
- Promoting Natural Solutions: Encouraging the cultivation of mangroves and reinforcing coral reefs to naturally protect the coast from erosion.
These solutions aim to enhance the resilience of Kuwait’s coastlines against the growing threat of erosion.
