"For many people, summer is synonymous with the beach. But with hundreds of millions of Americans flocking to coastal areas each year, especially during months when the weather fluctuates between balmy and sweltering, experts say these trips can contribute to the staggering effects of human activities on beaches and oceans.
“What’s interesting about the beach … is it’s actually where the three major threats to the ocean come together,” said George Leonard, chief scientist at the Ocean Conservancy, referring to climate change, pollution (particularly from plastics) and impacts on the abundance and biodiversity of marine life.
“If you go to the beach and you’re not thoughtful about it, you can contribute to all three of those problems,” Leonard said. “Likewise, if you go to the beach and you play your part, you can be a solution to all three.”"
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