How Many People Live Near the Coast? UN Estimates 40% of Humanity Within 100 km

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 40% of the world's population—around 3 billion people—lives within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of a coastline.

Why the Coast?

• Trade and ports: 90% of global trade moves by sea; coastal cities are gateways.
• Food security: Fisheries, aquaculture, and fertile deltas support nutrition.
• Climate moderation: Oceans buffer temperature extremes.
• Freshwater access: Rivers discharge at coasts; aquifers recharge.
• Economic diversification: Tourism, industry, finance cluster in coastal metros.

Implications

• Vulnerability: Sea-level rise, storm surges, erosion threaten dense populations and infrastructure.
• Ecosystem pressure: Habitat loss, pollution, overfishing degrade coastal ecosystems (mangroves, reefs, wetlands).
• Governance: Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) needed to balance development and resilience.

Future Trends

Urbanization and population growth will increase coastal concentration. By 2050, >50% may live near coasts. Adaptation—managed retreat, living shorelines, resilient infrastructure—is becoming urgent.

The coast is humanity's favorite address, but it's a dynamic, risky one.