A new report reveals that erosion and flooding caused by climate change is destroying many of our much-loved landmarks. The study, conducted by scientists at Leeds University and the Climate Coalition, highlights that the impacts of climate change are happening right now rather than being a distant threat we need to worry about in the future.
The report mentions the effect that coastal erosion has had on places such as Birling Gap, part of the renowned Seven Sisters chalk cliffs on the south coast of England. Experts claim that 67cm of these cliffs have eroded during the last 50 years and that the severe storms of the past few years have accelerated erosion significantly, with seven years’ damage occurring in just two months.
Climate change experts fear that current coastal defences are not doing enough to manage the effects of climate change on our seaside resorts and say that more must be done to prevent further erosion from occurring. Buildings built close to the cliff edges will need to be designed differently so that they do not get lost to the sea.
With coastal erosion becoming an ever-increasing threat, keeping a check on the tide times and following safety precautions are a must for anyone visiting vulnerable coastal locations.
The report also suggests that it is not just our famous seaside landmarks that are suffering the effects of erosion and flooding caused by climate change. Salmon rivers in Wales and important wetland sites are seeing wildlife numbers plummet, while cultural and historic sites such as Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, a famous cricket club in Northumberland and a riverside pub in Manchester have all suffered flood damage.
The study highlights that more needs to be done to stop further damage to our much-loved sites.
