‘No coming back from erosion’: UK coastal towns will need to relocate due to climate crisis
In some places the right answer will be to move communities away from danger, Sir James Bevan says Erosion of the Norfolk sandy cliffs and sand dunes has caused many buildings and farmland to be lost to the sea The climate crisis will inevitably mean British coastal communities will have to move elsewhere, according to the leader of Englands environment body. Sir James Bevan gave a stark assessment of how flooding and cliff erosion will shape the outer edges of the country in a speech on Tuesday. Both are increasing threats to coastal communities as the climate crisis causes sea levels to rise and extreme weather events to become more frequent. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Holiday chalets abandoned due to coastal erosion wait to be demolished or taken by the sea in the village of Withernsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2020 Getty Images The UK was battered by three storms in a row earlier this year AFP via Getty Images The end of a tarmac road shows the devastation caused by coastal erosion of the cliff face in the village of Happisburgh in 2019 Getty Images Erosion of the Norfolk sandy cliffs and sand dunes has caused many buildings and farmland to be lost to the sea Getty Images Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}