What's happened
Recent cliff collapses in Israel and the UK highlight ongoing coastal erosion issues. Israel faces political and funding delays in shoreline protection, while storms in the UK have damaged access to Durdle Door, risking safety and tourism. Both cases underscore the urgent need for coordinated coastal management.
What's behind the headline?
Coastal erosion is accelerating due to climate change and inadequate infrastructure investment. In Israel, political infighting and fragmented responsibility have delayed essential shoreline reinforcement, risking fatalities and environmental degradation. The UK’s coastline, already vulnerable, is suffering from extreme weather events that undo recent protective efforts. These cases reveal a broader neglect of coastal resilience, which will likely lead to increased hazards and economic costs if not addressed. Governments must prioritize coordinated, sustained action to mitigate erosion and protect public safety. Failure to do so will result in more collapses, injuries, and loss of vital tourism assets, with long-term economic and environmental consequences.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Israel's cliffs are collapsing due to neglect and political paralysis, with only partial funding allocated for protection projects. The Independent details the damage at Durdle Door, where recent storms have destroyed access steps and exposed hazardous rocks, risking visitor safety. Both articles emphasize the urgency of coordinated action, contrasting Israel’s bureaucratic delays with the UK’s weather-driven erosion, illustrating a global challenge in coastal management. These sources highlight how political will and climate impacts are converging to threaten coastal communities and heritage sites worldwide.
How we got here
Israel's coastline has been deteriorating due to natural erosion and human activity, with government efforts hampered by political disagreements and funding gaps. Similarly, the UK’s Jurassic Coast faces erosion from extreme weather, threatening popular tourist sites. Both regions have struggled to implement effective, timely coastal protection measures.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to effective coastal protection in Israel?
- How are UK authorities responding to ongoing storm damage?
- What can local communities do to help prevent erosion?
Common question
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What caused the destruction of Durdle Door's steps?
Recent storms have severely impacted Durdle Door, one of the UK's most iconic coastal landmarks. The destruction of its access steps raises questions about the effects of extreme weather on heritage sites and tourist spots. Below, we explore what caused this damage, whether other UK landmarks are at risk, and what the future holds for visitors and local communities.
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