Coastal Erosion in Brazil: A Growing Crisis Due to Rising Atlantic Waters
- October 3, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Coastal Erosion in Brazil: A Growing Crisis Due to Rising Atlantic Waters
Sub : Geo
Sec: Climatology
Why in News
The coastal erosion along Brazil’s Atlantic shoreline has intensified, with the Atlantic Ocean advancing inland at an alarming rate. In 2023, saltwater intrusion reached areas as far as 150 km inland, particularly impacting communities near the Amazon River. The consequences of climate change, rising sea levels, and weakened river systems have caused destruction to coastal towns, threatening both local livelihoods and ecosystems.
Impact of Climate Change on Brazil’s Coastline
Case of Atafona, Rio de Janeiro: The coastal town of Atafona, north of Rio de Janeiro, has seen severe coastal erosion due to a combination of climate change and natural factors.
Rising sea levels and the silting of the Paraíba River have resulted in the destruction of over 500 homes, including a four-story building.
Rising Sea Levels in the Region: The United Nations report, “Surging Seas in a Warming World,” states that sea levels around Atafona have risen by 13 cm in the last 30 years. By 2050, this region could see an additional 16 cm rise in sea levels, leading to further erosion and displacement.
Coastal areas like Atafona could see the ocean advance inland by 150 meters within the next 28 years. This is primarily due to the lack of sediment carried by the Paraíba River, which previously helped maintain beach formations.
Ponta Negra Beach Erosion: Ponta Negra, a popular seaside resort in northeastern Brazil, has lost 15 meters of white sand over the past two decades.
Accelerating Sea Level Rise: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that sea levels are rising at an accelerated rate, with the current increase rate at 0.48 cm per year, more than double that of the previous decade (0.21 cm annually in 1993-2002).
About Brazil:
| Geography | Largest country in South America 5th largest country in the world by area Borders 10 out of 12 South American countries, except Chile and Ecuador |
| Bordering Countries | Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, French Guiana (an overseas department of France) |
| Population | Over 210 million people (2023 estimate) The most populous country in South America 6th most populous country globally |
| Economy | Largest economy in Latin America 9th largest economy worldwide by nominal GDP Part of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Founding member of Mercosur (Southern Common Market) |
| Natural Resources | Home to the majority of the Amazon rainforest (60%). Rich in minerals, including iron ore and gold Major producer of coffee, soybeans, and sugarcane |
Paraíba River
The Paraíba do Norte River, also known as Parahyba do Norte, originates from the Borborema Plateau in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. The river is approximately 380 kilometers long.
Some of its important tributaries include the Mamanguape River. It drains water into the Atlantic Ocean near the capital of Paraíba state, João Pessoa.
The river runs through the state of Paraíba and is a crucial waterway for agriculture, particularly sugarcane cultivation, which was historically significant to the economy of northeastern Brazil.
“Surging Seas in a Warming World” (2024) report:
Released by: United Nations (2024).
Key Concern: Accelerating sea-level rise due to global warming.
Current Rate: Sea levels are rising at 0.48 cm per year, more than double the rate in the 1990s.
Projection: By 2100, sea levels could rise by up to 1 meter if high emissions persist.
Affected Population: Over 600 million people living in coastal zones globally are at risk.
Key Impact Areas: Low-lying islands, coastal cities, ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, coral reefs).