What dual impact can tourism have on coastal environments?

Tourism in coastal environments can produce a dual impact by generating economic benefits while simultaneously leading to environmental degradation. As tourism increases, it often brings economic growth through job creation and increased revenue for local businesses, which can support the overall economy of a coastal area. This financial infusion can also enhance infrastructure, public services, and the tourism industry itself.

However, the natural environment can suffer significant negative effects due to increased foot traffic, pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. Coastal ecosystems, such as beaches, marshes, and wetlands, may become overwhelmed by the demands of tourism, leading to habitat loss, water quality issues, and disruption of local wildlife. This duality illustrates how tourism can be both a crucial economic driver and a potential threat to environmental health in coastal regions.

In contrast, the other options do not fully encompass this complex relationship. Economic growth alone does not account for the potential environmental harm that can arise from increased tourism activities. Similarly, while environmental protection might occur in some cases, it is not the primary result of tourism, especially in regions under pressure from heavy tourist influx. Finally, increased wildlife populations are not a guaranteed outcome of tourism and depend on various factors, including conservation efforts and habitat preservation, which are often compromised in heavily visited areas