The Washington Post reported today This Alaskan glacier holds back billions of gallons of water. Until it doesn’t.

“This torrent of meltwater — normally held back by the giant glacier looming above Juneau — known as a glacial outburst flood, dwarfed any that have occurred since the phenomenon began here a dozen years ago.”

Malibu, California is not immune as this video of climate change rising tides shows at the iconic Paradise Beach Cove Cafe

Due to sea level rise, high tides are surpassing previous levels and encroaching further inland. Low-lying coastlines face escalated risks of flooding from the rising seas. The annual peak tide offers a glimpse into the impending impact of rising sea levels on coastal areas.

Paradise Cove in Malibu has been the setting for numerous iconic Hollywood moments featuring beaches. From Sandra Dee’s wave-riding in “Gidget” to the splashing fun of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in “Beach Blanket Bingo,” the allure of this secluded and pristine sandy stretch is unrivaled. Even James Garner’s character Jim Rockford from “The Rockford Files” made his home in a beachside trailer here during the show’s run from 1974 to 1980. Whether it’s the final scenes of “Indecent Proposal” from 1993 or the action-packed events from “Baywatch,” Paradise Cove is the go-to destination for these unforgettable spectacles. However, despite its popularity drawing thousands of visitors weekly, it is known to be the least visitor-friendly public beach in Southern California.

Climate Change Rising Tides

The cafe especially loves to remind visitors that it was the location for the cover of the Beach Boys’ debut album “Surfin’ Safari ” which was released on October 1, 1962 on Capitol Records.

climate change rising tide

Climate Change Rising Tides and Disappearing Beaches

The world is experiencing drastic changes as a result of climate change, including rising sea levels. These rising tides are causing beaches to disappear, leading to loss of marine life, damage to coastal economies, and displacement of coastal communities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of climate change on beaches and explain how we can take action to protect them.

The primary cause of beach erosion is sea level rise, which, in turn, is caused by carbon emissions that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Coastal communities that depend on tourism and marine life are the most threatened by beach erosion. Coastal infrastructure such as roads and bridges, electricity and gas supplies, and even homes and businesses are also threatened by rising sea levels. Beach erosion can also lead to changes in water salinity and harmful algae blooms, which can threaten marine life.

One way to combat beach erosion is to reduce our carbon footprint. We can cut carbon emissions by using less energy, reducing waste, and supporting policies that promote clean energy. It is also essential to protect wetlands and other natural habitats that absorb carbon. Wetlands help reduce the impact of climate change by filtering carbon from the water and absorbing excess water that can cause flooding. They also provide unique habitats for aquatic life, which plays a valuable role in the coastal ecosystem.

Another way to combat beach erosion is to design with nature in mind. Coastal development should be limited to areas that can best withstand the impact of rising sea levels. Building protective structures such as seawalls or groin fields isn’t effective; they can even cause further damage to beaches. Beach-protective strategies such as planting vegetation, relocating threatened infrastructure, and practicing managed retreats should be given priority.

Beach replenishment is also an option to restore the coastline. This is a method of importing sand from other areas to help restore the beach. Careful attention to erosion patterns and the amount of sand needed will help ensure a sustainable solution. Rather than dredging sand from nearby, either importing sand or recycling the existing sediment are both more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

In conclusion, the effects of climate change on the world’s coastlines are dramatic and far-reaching. We must reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural habitats, and adopt new policies to protect our beaches from erosion and other impacts caused by sea level rise. Otherwise we will all have to find new, cool spots for Labor Day lunches.