As Spaniards summer at Barcelona's beaches, some worry about the erosion of coastline
Storms and sea level rise driven by climate change are eroding the man-made beaches in metropolitan Barcelona, with the sea swallowing swathes of coastline every year, authorities say. Compared to natural coastlines, man-made beaches erode faster. Montgat's coastline has eroded especially fast, locals and authorities say.
'Clearly, this is worrying,' García said. 'Because it's increasing more and more, and shows no signs of stopping. Our coexistence with the sea here is in danger.'
From fishing town to summering spot
The fishing town turned summering spot is no stranger to change. Fishing was once the main economic activity in the 'Maresme,' or marshlands, north of Barcelona, but everything changed in 1986 when Spain's second-largest city was named host of the 1992 Olympic Games.
Where once there were just rocks, breakwaters and thin stretches of sand, several new beaches were constructed, helping turn the city into one of Europe 's premier tourism hotspots.
Climate change is threatening that transformation in small coastal towns like Montgat by intensifying storms that erode coastline and driving sea-level rise.
While authorities have responded by replacing the lost sand and building some breakwaters, the efforts haven't kept pace with the coastline's erosion.
Ramon Torra, manager of Barcelona's Metropolitan Area, acknowledges that simply adding more sand isn't enough.
'What we must do first isn't just replenish the sand, but rather stop the loss of it," Torra said. 'In the case of the 'Maresme' region here, we are talking about structures such as breakwaters because they confine the beach."
When storms erode coastline
Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
As the planet warms, sea levels rise largely due to the melting of glaciers and the thermal expansion of seawater as it grows warmer. That increases the risk of coastal flooding and storm surges that lead to land loss.
At Montgat and nearby beaches, the main damage takes place in the fall and winter, when destructive weather systems known locally by the Spanish acronym DANA bring powerful storms to southern Europe.
The storms have wreaked havoc on Montgat's coastline in recent years. In April 2024, a storm system brought waves that climbed as high as 5 meters (16 feet) tall and left parts of Montgat virtually without a beach. Afterward, a line of rocks serving as a breakwater was built after the waves reached a line of beachfront houses.
Montgat Mayor Andreu Absil reckons only a third of the beach survived from a year ago. He stressed the importance of the beach for locals.
'The beaches are the last democratic space we have,' Absil said. 'And they should be for all of us to use and enjoy all year long."
Locals, scientists and business owners worry about the future
Barcelona's authorities estimate 60 million euros ($70.2 million) are needed to stabilize the coastline in metropolitan Barcelona's 42 kilometres (26 miles) of coastline, 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) of which are beaches like Montgat. Add to that the yearly maintenance costs after storms.
Scientists say the biggest problem will arrive when the sea reaches the town's infrastructure including the train line, homes and businesses.
The rate of sea level rise portends more loss, academics say.
Agustín Sánchez-Arcilla, a maritime engineer at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, said current trends show sea levels along the Catalan coast are four times higher today than three decades ago. He said it has risen by 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in 25 years while waves are on average 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) higher.
'So we don't need to predict it will accelerate. We can say already it has multiplied by four since the 1990's,' he said, adding that he believes the time for climate adaptation is now. Those measures include building seawalls, planting vegetation as a barrier to the sea and more.
Local business owners in the town depend on summer tourism and worry what could take hold when the sea swallows up more sand. Those who come year after year for the fresh seafood and cold beer share the concern.
José Luís Vélez, a retiree, has been coming to the same beach bar for years, having witnessed the changes Montgat underwent after the '92 Olympics, as well as its coastline in retreat.
'It's been great but the sea has started to erode all the sand. And we aren't seeing people really doing something about it. So we think this could have an expiration date," Vélez said.
___
Naishadham reported from Madrid.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
I visited the ‘Wetherspoons of Spain' – jugs of beer cost £1.50, lunch is £1 and there's 350 of them across the country
SITTING outside in the sun with a cold beer in hand, I've nabbed a prime spot for lunch to watch the world go by. Nothing screams summer holiday in Spain like an al-fresco feast of tasty tapas, but this place is especially good because it's an absolute bargain that most Brits don't know about. 5 5 If, like me, you love a bargain bite in the local Wetherspoons at home, then you need to head to this cheap chain in Spain where your Euros will go a lot further than in most places on the continent. It's by far the cheapest place for tapas and a beer that I have ever stumbled across and the best news is, there are 350 of these bars across Spain. Cheap as frites 100 Montaditos has been dubbed the 'Spanish Wetherspoons' for its affordable prices, decent food and community vibe. However, most Brits would walk right past without even knowing they are missing out on a cheap-as-patatas-fritas feed. A 'montadito' is a classic tapas dish in Spain, which is essentially a mini baguette sandwich. They are often served alongside beer or wine in tapas bars around Spain and make for a very tasty lunch or dinner. 100 Montaditos originated as a small cafe in Seville, famous for its small plates of sandwiches, but has now expanded across Spain and the Spanish islands because it is so popular. With a limited holiday budget, I headed to the 100 Montaditos in Majorca, which is on the Spanish Plaza in Palma. The location could not be more central, it's right opposite the Cathedral and has a patio with outdoor seating. The bar looks small from the outside, but stepping inside, there is a huge kitchen and dining room, so it's handy if you need an air-con break from the hot weather too. It's a hot day, so I order a pint, which in Spain comes in a frosted pitcher. These are known as 'turbo-sized' and at 300ml, are slightly smaller than our UK pints, but plenty for me at lunchtime. Drinking local Spanish beer, Cruzcampo, meant the refreshment cost me only €1.50 (£1.30). Considering Palma in Majorca isn't known for being a cheap holiday destination, I couldn't believe my luck. A glass of wine here is the same price, and you can get a Vodka and Coke for £2.70. I couldn't believe my eyes when the bartender gave me a cone of crisps too. You get these free of charge when you order a drink. With prices in Spain on the rise, Brits have been complaining that cheap holidays on the continent are not as budget-friendly as they used to be. But this place is just like a British 'Spoons. Everyone inside was chatty and friendly - as much as they could be with the language barrier. It's very laid back and you can tell a lot of locals have been frequenting the place for years. Of course, being named after the famous sandwiches, 100 Montadidos has a good menu of food too, and it's just as affordable as the beer. 5 5 There are 19 different 'classic' sandwiches, ranging from chorizo and cheese to bacon butties, and they are only €1 each. The slightly more 'fancy' options have Gran Reserva ham and smoked salmon, but even they only cost €1.50 (£1.30). Every day they have a 'EURO MANIA' deal, which is a large version of the sandwich of the day for only €1 (86p) - an absolute bargain! One of these is more than enough for me at lunch, but even if I was feeling peckish, ordering two would hardly break the bank. I can't believe you can eat for so cheap in the middle of Palma. If you don't fancy sandwiches, there are nachos, Spanish omelette and calamari, all for only €2 (£1.73) each. A bowl of chips is €1 (86p). Sarah from Cardiff in Wales, who was in 100 Montadidos with her friends before a night out, said she was stunned by the prices. 'It's cheaper than Wetherspoons in Cardiff!' she said. 'We'll probably come back for chips after our night out if it's still open.' Before they left, I joined them for a celebratory shot of tequila. At only €2 (£1.73) each, I better not stay too long or I'd be totally sloshed for the cost of one pint in London. The atmosphere is not as authentic as in some of the more traditional tavernas and bars in Mallorca, but it can't be beaten on price. Especially for a few shots ahead of a night out like Sarah and her mates. The only disappointment was that they don't have the classic Thursday curry club but the cheeky barman said maybe they might do Paella instead one day!
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
To host UN climate talks, Brazil chose one of its poorer cities. That's no accident
When world leaders, diplomats, business leaders, scientists and activists go to Brazil in November for the United Nations' annual climate negotiations, poverty, deforestation and much of the world's troubles will be right in their faces — by design. In past conference cities — including resort areas and playgrounds for the rich such as Bali, Cancun, Paris, Sharm El-Sheikh and Dubai — host nations show off both their amenities and what their communities have done about climate change. But this fall's conference is in a high-poverty city on the edge of the Amazon to demonstrate what needs to be done, said the diplomat who will run the mega-negotiations in Belem known as COP30, or Conference of Parties. What better way to tackle a problem than facing it head on, however uncomfortable, COP30 President-designate André Corrêa do Lago, a veteran Brazilian diplomat, said in an interview with The Associated Press at United Nations headquarters. "We cannot hide the fact that we are in the world with lots of inequalities and where sustainability and fighting climate change is something that has to get closer to people,' do Lago said. That's what Brazilian President President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has in mind, he said. 'When people will go to Belem, you are going to see a developing country and city with considerable infrastructure issues still with, in relative terms, a high percentage of poverty and President Lula thinks it's very important that we talk about climate thinking of all the forests, thinking of poverty and thinking of progress,' do Lago said. 'He wants everybody to see a city that can improve thanks to the results of these debates.' The rich and powerful — as well as poorer nations, activists and media — are already feeling a bit of that discomfort even before getting to Belem. Even with two years of notice, Brazil is way behind in having enough hotel rooms and other accommodations for a global conference that has had 90,000 attendees. The official United Nations COP30 website says Brazil would have an official booking portal by the end of April. But specific plans weren't announced till last week when Brazil said it arranged for two cruise ships with 6,000 beds to help with lodging, saying the country is ensuring 'accommodation for all countries' and starting a system where 98 poorer nations have the option to reserve first. Skyrocketing lodging costs are a problem, do Lago conceded. Some places have been charging $15,000 a night for one person and activists and others have talked of cutting back. But he said prices 'are already going down,' even as local media report otherwise. Do Lago said it will be a local holiday so residents can rent out their homes, adding "a significant supply of apartments.' Big year for climate negotiations This is a significant year for climate negotiations. The 2015 Paris climate agreement required countries to come up with their own plans to reduce the emissions of heat-trapping gases from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas and then to update those plans every five years. This year nearly every nation — the United States, the No. 2 carbon dioxide emitter and historically biggest polluter, withdrew from the accord earlier this year — has to submit their first plan update. Most of those updates are already late, but the United Nations wants countries to complete them by September when world leaders gather in New York. That would give the United Nations time to calculate how much they would curb future climate change if implemented — before the COP six weeks later. UN Secretary-General Antonio-Guterres, in an interview with AP, reiterated what officials want in those plans: that they cover each nation's entire economy, that they include all greenhouse gases and that they are in line with efforts to limit long-term human-caused warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. That target is the Paris agreement goal. And it's tough since the world is only a couple of tenths of a degree away and last year even temporarily shot past the 1.5 degree mark. Do Lago said he expects the countries' plans will fall short of keeping warming below the 1.5 degree mark, so tackling that gap will be a crucial element of negotiations. Some big things aren't on agenda, like $1.3 trillion for poorer nations Some of the negotiations' most important work won't be on the formal agenda, including these plans, do Lago said. Another is a road map to provide $1.3 trillion in financial help to poorer nations in dealing with climate change. And finally, he said, Brazil 'wants very much to talk about nature, about forests.' The nearby Amazon has been an important part of Earth's natural system to suck large amounts of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, but deforestation is a major threat to that. At times, parts of the Amazon have gone from reducing carbon dioxide in the air to increasing it, a 2021 study found. On Wednesday, the United Nation's top court ruled that a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right, a decision that may bolster efforts to come up with stronger action at the November climate conference, some activists said. 'Failure of a state to take appropriate action to protect the climate system ... may constitute an internationally wrongful act,' court President Yuji Iwasawa said during the hearing. Do Lago said the challenge for countries is to think of these emission-reduction plans not as a sacrifice but as a moment to change and grow. 'One of the objectives of this COP is that we hope we will be remembered as a COP of solutions, a COP in which people realized that this agenda is creating more opportunities and challenges,' do Lago said. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Brits turn their back on Majorca: Desperate Spanish officials admit anti-tourism protests 'are scaring visitors away' as locals say top resort is 'completely dead'
Spanish officials have admitted that a relentless campaign of anti-tourist protests in Majorca is 'scaring away visitors' - with locals claiming some resorts are now 'completely dead'. A slump in spending in Majorca this summer has been blamed on the wave of anti-tourism protests that have gripped Spain. With British holidaymakers seemingly among foreigners turning their backs on the island, its tourism industry is in panic mode as officials overseeing the nightlife sector and tour companies warn that guests no longer feel 'welcomed'. The restaurant association president, Juanmi Ferrer, gave a stark warning that the messaging of the protests is 'scaring visitors away'. Additionally, Miguel Pérez-Marsá, head of the nightlife association, told Majorca Daily Bulletin: 'The tourists we're interested in are being driven away; they don't feel welcome and are going to other destinations.' Local media reports that the situation has become so dire that some managers have given staff holidays in the middle of July, which is often the height of the summer rush. But it's not just bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues feeling the slump. Tour guides are seeing the same downward trend. Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides, said: 'The anti-tourism messages are resonating.' The restaurant association president, Juanmi Ferrer, gave a stark warning that the messaging of the protests is 'scaring visitors away'. He revealed excursion sales have dropped by 20 per cent this summer, with Valldemossa, Palma and Port Soller among the worst-hit areas as British, German, and Italian tourists have all been put off. 'If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays,' he said. 'We are sending the message that we don't want tourists and that everything is too crowded. Excursion operator Proguies Turístics normally offers around 30 excursions per cruise. That number is now down to just 12 to 14. Its president, Biel Rosales, warned: 'Tourismphobia and the idea that tourists are not welcome are hurting us greatly.' He added that high prices and traffic jams are also turning tourists away. Transport bosses are also worried. Rafel Roig, president of the transport federation, said: 'You can't send out these messages because people won't go where they're not wanted.' Coach firms and taxi drivers have both seen a decline in customers. Biel Moragues, from one of the island's taxi associations, said: 'British tourists are the most upset by the protests and have changed their holiday destination.' Locals now say tourism on the island is completely different from years gone by. Lesley Johnson, 66, from Leicester, who has lived on the island for more than 30 years, told Mail Online: 'This area used to have a lot of British bars and pubs, and they would hold quiz leagues and dance leagues. 'Back then, if you went along this street at 7pm at night, you couldn't walk up, it would be full of tourists, but now it's completely dead. A lot of the Germans and Brits - they've just gone home.' Barbara Mellor, a British citizen who moved to Majorca in 2004, also said: 'We've certainly found that the number of Brits has dropped. 'You get your busy day here and there, but then the next day or a few days, it goes quiet.' It marks a shift in tone from earlier this season, when businesses had been blaming falling tourist budgets for the disappointing figures. Now, many say it's the hostility towards holidaymakers that is making the situation worse. Earlier in the year, angry protesters took to the streets holding up signs warning tourists to 'go home'. Some business owners say the anti-tourism messaging has 'resonated' with holidaymakers Some are said to have even fired water pistols at tourists. Others surrounded holidaymakers, shouting at them to leave the country. But not everyone agrees that the backlash against tourism is to blame. Jordi Mora, president of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Majorca (PIMEM), rejected claims there had been a real drop in visitor numbers and dismissed suggestions the protests were scaring people away. He said: 'The latest PIMEM report pointed to five per cent growth compared to 12 per cent last year, and that reflected demand which was reaching a limit.' Official figures for July tourism will not be released until September, while June's data is expected in the next few days. There was a 1.6 per cent dip in visitor numbers in May.
