Coastal erosion is a natural process that can pose a threat, with many negative socio-economic and environmental impacts for several coastal areas.
Coastal erosion is caused both by natural processes, such as wave action, coastal currents, and sea level rise, as well as by human interventions. The problem of coastal erosion is intensifying globally. In Greece, coastal erosion may be one of the most significant environmental threats, with approximately 32% of the coastline (around 25% of the islands' coastline) experiencing retreat. The erosion of Greek coasts has significant socio-economic consequences, as summer coastal tourism is a crucial economic activity. Table 14.1 includes the percentages of coastlines in each European country that are affected by erosion due to marine forces. These percentages vary from country to country depending on the geomorphological characteristics of the marine basins and the extent of human intervention in coastal areas

Climate change already has noticeable effects, ranging from rising temperatures to sea level rise as a result of polar ice melt, as well as the more frequent occurrence of storms and floods. These changes, in turn, will have serious consequences for the integrity of ecosystems, water resources, public health, food supply, industry, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. The severity of the expected impacts of climate change varies by region.
The most recent scientific findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the 5th Assessment Report (AR5) confirm beyond any doubt the negative impacts of climate change. Addressing climate change requires measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt at both global and regional levels.
At the national level, addressing climate change is one of the government's and our Ministry's fundamental priorities.
Actions to tackle climate change must include a shift in the existing development model towards a sustainable, green economy with low or zero carbon emissions, using modern technology. The development of this model must be based on the horizontal coordination of mitigation and adaptation policies across sectors such as energy, industry, agricultural production, and many others. The cost of reducing emissions and adapting to climate change may initially seem high, but it is far lower compared to the cost we will face due to inaction.