Climate Change Has It In for the World’s Best Surfing

A study of famous surf breaks in protected World Surfing Reserves found that more than three-quarters face high risk from climate change and coastal development. The threat matters beyond the waves themselves: surf tourism supports local jobs and economies, while changes to a break can also signal wider changes to the beach.

Almost 200 local experts assessed 57 breaks across 11 of the 13 reserves in eight countries. Rising seas and shifting rainfall can alter tides, sediment and sand, while sea walls, jetties and groynes limit the ability of coastlines to adapt. High-risk sites include Croyde Beach in North Devon, Noosa in Australia, Oriente Salvaje in El Salvador and reefs near Santa Cruz, California; researchers say natural coastlines are generally more resilient.