How can human activity exacerbate coastal erosion?

Human activity can exacerbate coastal erosion primarily through construction and deforestation. Construction often involves the development of infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and seawalls, which can disrupt natural coastal processes. This alteration of the landscape can increase erosion rates by removing natural barriers and stabilizing vegetation that helps anchor soil. Furthermore, deforestation, particularly in coastal areas, removes trees and vegetation that play a crucial role in absorbing wave energy and stabilizing the soil. Without these natural protections, coastal areas become more vulnerable to the forces of wind and water, accelerating the rate of erosion and leading to the loss of land.

Other activities listed, such as planting trees or reducing tourist activity, generally have a positive impact on coastal stability. Natural resource conservation works to protect ecosystems that help mitigate erosion, while decreased tourist activity would not contribute to increased erosion. Thus, the activities involved in construction and deforestation directly contribute to the worsening of coastal erosion.