More than 40% of the global population lives within 100 kilometres of the coast. A new global study shows that many coastal communities have moved inland over the past 30 years as climate hazards became stronger.
The research, published in Nature Climate Change, used satellite night-time light data and other global datasets to map settlements in 1,071 coastal regions across 155 countries.
Researchers found that poorer places often cannot retreat because people depend on coastal jobs and resources. Middle-income countries are more likely to move inland, while richer places usually stay and build coastal protections.
Difficult words
- coastal — near the sea or ocean shore
- inland — toward the centre of a country away from coast
- population — all the people who live in a place
- retreat — to move back or away from danger
- hazard — something that can cause harm or dangerhazards
- dataset — a collection of related information or numbersdatasets
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would people in your area move inland if coastal hazards got stronger? Why or why not?
- What coastal jobs or resources might keep people living by the sea?
- What can richer places do to stay near the coast?
Related articles
Southern Trinidad villages face risks from U.S.–Venezuela tensions
Villages at Trinidad’s southern tip now face greater danger at sea as U.S. naval and air activity and Venezuelan warnings increase. Fishermen, migrants and local services feel the pressure; officials seek better safety and communication.
Sportellino: a multilingual chatbot for migrants in Italy
A multilingual chatbot called Sportellino launched to help migrants in Italy find public services and practical guidance. It is free, anonymous and available via messaging apps; its information is based on official sources and experts.
World Migratory Bird Day 2025: Protecting Birds in Caribbean Cities
World Migratory Bird Day 2025 fell on October 11 with the theme “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities.” The story describes bird migrations, threats from development and climate change, and ways communities can help.