Gallery • 1 Photos

Divyam Kumar

Beaches are a huge part of Orange County, playing a crucial role for the people and the environment. Due to multiple factors, those beaches are disappearing. 

The disappearance of Orange County beaches can be attributed to several factors such as coastal development, particularly the construction of homes near coastal areas and sandy beaches, habitat destruction, and pollution which weakens the ecosystem and exacerbates beach losses and climate change, causing sea levels to rise and further erode beaches. Additionally, the erosion of beaches causes coastal hazards, such as flooding and storm surges, posing problems to communities and infrastructure.

“The increase in coastal development where houses are built on cliffs increases the danger of their destruction,” science teacher Mr. David Knight said. “There isn’t much of a beach below . . . there are consequences on the environment, the people and impacts on the local ecosystem.”

The issue is a significant concern due to its impact on the environment and the community. It could impact the quality of life for residents and visitors as beaches attract many tourists, which could also impact the economy. Additionally, the loss of such a habitat could disrupt the ecosystem, jeopardizing the biodiversity and lives of many organisms that live specifically in that habitat.

“I think that it’s sad that the beaches are disappearing because fewer people can enjoy them now that they are disappearing,” junior Julie Ong said. “It could have a potentially significant effect on the future generation as it could deprive them of opportunities.”

There have been lots of efforts among communities and environmental stakeholders, proactive conservation, and sustainable coastal management have helped in the effort to minimize the loss and protect the beaches.

“I think it’s important to take care of our beaches because it has such a big impact on us and our ecosystem,” junior Maiya Petros said. “Beaches are also such an important part of Orange County. It would be really devastating if it were to disappear.”