FILE: Pismo Beach State Park and Oceano Dunes are viewed in this aerial photo taken on Dec. 1, 2021, in Grover Beach, Calif. 

California has lost more than half of its coastal sand dunes over the past 165 years, an alarming decline that could have catastrophic effects on the state’s efforts to combat climate change.

A recent study, led by UC Santa Barbara researchers and published in the journal Earth’s Future, is the first comprehensive look at the state’s vital sand dunes. The analysis found that humans are largely to blame for dune habitat loss over the years, as infrastructure replaced entire ecosystems or invasive plants destroyed their ability to thrive. Total dune loss is estimated at around 60% across the state.

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“Dunes are not just scenic landscapes; they provide critical habitat for rare and endangered species, and help protect vulnerable communities from erosion, flooding, and storm........

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