The Problems with Rebuilding Beaches
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Provided by: Vox|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Synopsis
- This video from Vox shows how coastal erosion affects the vast majority of sandy beaches in the United States. The federal government funds beach nourishment projects in areas where the return on investment is high, but the projects are only a temporary fix.
- Students will learn that beach nourishment projects often give property developers and residents a false sense of security.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Engineering
Authors: Vox
Region: United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will learn that beach nourishment projects are expensive and ineffective in the long term.
- The video does a good job of explaining erosion in simple terms.
- The video description offers links to articles on beach nourishment.
Prerequisites
- This video begins with an advertisement.
- The video does not address how climate change and sea level rise factor into rapid coastal erosion.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Earth science classes can use this video to discuss natural erosion as well as the role that sea level rise plays in exacerbating the rate of coastal erosion. Students can generate ideas for how the federal government could spend the money that is earmarked for beach nourishment projects on projects that would have better long-term effects on preserving beaches.
- Economics classes can discuss the role that the federal government plays in bolstering the tourist economy in coastal areas. Students could have a debate on whether or not government funding for beach nourishment is a solution for keeping the tourist economy afloat.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on how an artificial oyster reef is slowing coastal erosion in Staten Island, and this Global Oneness video that shows how coastal erosion and sea level rise have destroyed an island community off the coast of Louisiana.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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