A Grim Future: America's Beaches at Risk of Disappearance by 2100 and Efforts to Combat It

America's Beaches at Risk of Disappearance

According to a startling new report from the Surfrider Foundation, more than half of America’s sandy beaches are projected to disappear by 2100 due to the relentless rise in sea levels driven by climate change. Despite these alarming predictions, there is hope on the horizon. Coastal communities across the nation are rallying together and implementing innovative nature-based solutions to protect their coastlines, although federal support is declining.

The Current State of America’s Beaches

Every day, the dynamic nature of shorelines becomes a tragic reality as homes and infrastructure succumb to the encroaching ocean. Notably, just last week in Buxton, North Carolina, nine homes tragically fell into the sea, adding to the already staggering figure of 21 homes lost on Hatteras Island over the last five years. The conditions are exacerbated by an increasing frequency of extreme weather events and poorly managed coastal development, contributing to a phenomenon known as “coastal squeeze.” As rising seas push inland, residential and commercial developments hinder the natural migration of beaches, leading to accelerated erosion and loss.

The Surfrider Foundation's 2025 State of the Beach Report paints a grim picture of this ongoing crisis. Emma Haydocy, the Senior Manager of Surfrider's Coasts Climate Initiative, indicates that states like California could lose as much as 70% of their beaches. Despite these dire predictions, the report reveals a silver lining through grassroots initiatives and community-driven approaches that are making a difference in coastal management.

Nature-Based Solutions Are Key

In the face of the federal retreat on climate resilience funding, Surfrider has pivoted its efforts towards empowering local communities. With over 200 volunteer chapters and student clubs nationwide, the organization is turning to its grassroots network to advocate for coastal protection strategies that are proving effective. The Climate Action Program, launched in April 2024, focuses on initiatives that align with nature's processes rather than relying on traditional methods like seawalls and sand renourishment.

One success story showcases the collaborative efforts of coastal restoration in Queens, New York, where community members are playing an active role in identifying solutions to combat severe erosion rates. Similarly, on the North Shore of Oahu, residents are planning and implementing strategies to protect their treasured beaches. In Oregon, comprehensive policy changes have led to significant advancements in safeguarding the state’s iconic coastlines.

A Call to Action

While the federal landscape may appear bleak, local resilience efforts fueled by community engagement offer pathways toward sustainable coastal adaptations. The Surfrider Foundation has made remarkable strides within just one year of launching its Climate Action Program, highlighted by more than 2,000 volunteers who collectively removed over 10,000 pounds of invasive species and planted upwards of 55,000 native plants across more than 20 acres of coastal habitat.

These grassroots triumphs underscore the importance of collaboration between community members and nature, illuminating a path forward for preparing and adapting to the challenges of climate change. By employing nature-based approaches, localities not only safeguard their beaches but also promote a sense of ownership and camaraderie among residents.

Looking Towards the Future

Though the horizon may seem daunting with predictions of beach losses looming ever closer, the resilience of communities can usher in effective strategies to curtail the damage. Nature-filled solutions not only nurture local ecosystems but also provide a sustainable model for combating the ongoing threats posed by climate change. As we work shoulder to shoulder to produce lasting change, this year’s State of the Beach Report serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope for coastal preservation.

For more information, the full report is available on the Surfrider Foundation’s website. As stewards of our coastlines, now is the time to act and advocate for the futures of our beaches and the communities that thrive along them.