Coastal erosion in Portugal is accelerating due to sea level rise and more frequent storms, threatening entire communities and underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience and infrastructure adaptation.

Coastal erosion is becoming an increasing problem for Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Each winter brings heavier storms, and the rising sea level is endangering homes and beach promenades. How are residents and authorities coping with the situation?

The pressure on Portugal’s west coast is mounting by the year. In the north in particular, many Portuguese are fighting a desperate battle against the advancing sea, which is threatening beaches and coastal resorts. Every year, environmental authorities have to concede coastal homes to the ocean and resettle their inhabitants. The report highlights how people in Portugal are combating the effects of rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Locals such as fisherman Vítor Cacheira can no longer make a living from coastal fishing. He now serves as a town councilor in Esmoriz, promoting a resettlement program that provides secure housing to affected families. 

At the beach in Furadouro, surfing instructor and nature guide João Paulo sees his livelihood at stake. Restaurant owner Abel Vieira from the fishing village of Apúlia fears that the sea could soon sweep away his centuries-old town. In recent years, many houses directly on the beach have fallen into the sea. Abel Vieira’s restaurant, one of many located directly behind the dunes, is in danger, and numerous jobs are at risk as a result. 

The central government says that it is aware of the issue. They are trying to solve the problem by pouring in millions of cubic meters of sand or erecting protective barriers. But it is a Sisyphean task. The EU has declared the fight against coastal erosion a priority and is offering financial support to the Portuguese authorities.  

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The Sea Is Rising — And Coastal Communities Are on the Front Line

From Lisbon to Lagos, Portugal’s coastlines are retreating. As sea levels rise and erosion accelerates, the world must act now to design sustainable, circular, and adaptive infrastructure.

Klean Industries Can Support Coastal Resilience With:

✅ Circular construction materials from recovered resources
✅ Reclaimed tire fibers to strengthen marine and urban infrastructure
✅ Carbon reduction technologies that address root causes of climate change
✅ KleanLoop™ to track environmental performance and lifecycle impact

Connect with Klean Industries to develop climate-adaptive infrastructure that meets the moment and protects our coastal futures » GO.