UK’s coastline under threat
A leading conservation charity has warned that Britain’s coastline is being eroded by rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
Major research by the National Trust concluded that 60 per cent of its 1,130 kilometres of UK coast could be affected by erosion within the next century.
The Shifting Shores report reveals that 126 of the trust’s coastal sites are already at risk of flooding from encroaching sea levels. A further 33 could be affected by river and sea flooding over the next 100 years.
“Over the next few decades, extensive coastal change – especially flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise and more frequent storms – appears inevitable,” said Tony Burton, director of policy and strategy at the National Trust.
“The UK cannot ignore the issue and all sectors must plan how to adapt to a future of advancing seas.”
He added: “Our changing coastline demonstrates that the impacts of climate change are being felt today and are close to home. This should strengthen the call for action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but we also need to adapt to the changes underway, working with the forces of nature wherever possible, to secure a better long term future for coastal communities and the environment.”
A seminar organised by the National Trust exploring responses to coastal change opens today. It aims to bring leading opinion formers together to share their views on how Britain can adapt to climate change and rising sea levels.
Specifically, the Trust is calling for efforts to raise public awareness about the problem – pointing out there is no current mechanism for the public to find out whether there home or business is in a coastal erosion risk zone.
It stresses that with 30 separate agents and authorities currently involved in coastal management there is a need for simplified decision making and a new financial mechanisms in insurance and compensation to help vulnerable communities adapt.
