Compare the costs and benefits of hard versus softs methods of protection from coastal erosion.

Hard methods for protection from coastal erosion such as sea walls and groynes can be fast to implement and effective as an immediate measure to protect form coastal erosion. Hard measures maybe most effective for areas at high risk of flooding as a result of coastal erosion, areas that thus need quick and effective protection. However, soft methods of protection from coastal erosion such as planting trees on cliff tops to prevent cliff collapse, and importing sand to replenish eroding beaches are much less damaging to the natural environment and do not alter the look of the land and seascape. Therefore hard methods of protection from coastal erosion are most effective when immediate protection is required, but soft methods of protection from coastal erosion are more beneficial for long term plans to protect the coastline.