Florida spent decades building seawalls to protect its Atlantic coast, but scientists found seawall-backed beaches lost more than half a metre of elevation while natural dunes kept rebuilding after major hurricanes

Florida’s concrete seawalls are accelerating beach erosion, a new study reveals. These structures, meant for protection, are causing significant sand loss and degradation. Naturally occurring sand dunes, however, demonstrate remarkable resilience after severe weather events. Coastal grasses help dunes rebuild themselves, trapping windblown sand effectively. Transitioning to natural green infrastructure is now a key challenge for coastal planners.