The Ribble Tidal Vanguard
Climate change is impacting the environment and human population of the United Kingdom (UK). The country's climate is becoming warmer, with drier summers and wetter winters. The frequency and intensity of storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves is increasing, and sea level rise is impacting coastal areas. The UK is also a contributor to climate change, having emitted more greenhouse gas per person than the world average. Climate change is having economic impacts on the UK and presents risks to human health and ecosystems.
The government has committed to reducing emissions by 50% of 1990 levels by 2025 and to net zero by 2050 In 2020, the UK set a target of 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 in its commitments in the Paris Agreement. The country will phase out coal by 2024. Parliament passed Acts related to climate change in 2006 and 2008, the latter representing the first time a government legally mandated a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Our planet is experiencing a significant shift due to climate change. Rising global temperatures are causing ice sheets and glaciers to melt, increasing sea levels. The United Kingdom, with its extensive coastline, is particularly vulnerable.
Coastal communities face the brunt of these changes. Let’s explore some of the specific impacts on Coastal Erosion and Flooding: Low-lying coastal regions are at risk of erosion and inundation. Iconic places like the Norfolk Broads and East Anglia face the threat of disappearing beneath rising tides. Loss of Habitats: Salt marshes, mudflats, and estuaries provide critical habitats for wildlife. As sea levels rise, these ecosystems shrink, affecting species like birds, fish, and invertebrates.
Flooded roads, railways, and buildings disrupt daily life and strain resources. Thousands of homes and businesses along the coast are at risk. Historic sites, including coastal castles, lighthouses, and ancient settlements, face erosion and submersion.
Also, vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, suffer the most Animals must adapt or move coastal birds, seals, and fish face altered habitats and disrupted food chains. Loss of Biodiversity: Rare and endemic species may vanish including the Natterjack toad in dunes or the Broads reed bunting in wetlands.
Climate Change Estimates.
As the the world’s oceans are gradually rising. The United Kingdom, with its extensive coastline, is already witnessing the effects of this phenomenon with Predicted Sea Level Rise we can anticipate a sea level rise of 10 to 30 inches (26 to 77 centimetre's) globally if temperatures continue to increase. This rise is primarily driven by the melting of polar ice and the expansion of seawater as it warms.
Impacts on the UK: Coastal regions in the UK are particularly vulnerable. By 2050, assuming a conservative sea level rise due to a 2°C temperature increase, up to 160,000 properties in England alone could be at risk of needing relocation. This adds to the 30,000 to 35,000 properties already identified as being in danger. Addressing rising sea levels requires global cooperation. International efforts, such as climate conferences, aim to find solutions and reduce carbon emissions. Let us work collectively to protect our coastlines and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
