Sea level rise risk to Wales

6 December 2010

Commenting on a new report by a consortium of scientists led by the Met Office, which warns that rising temperatures and sea-levels could have a significant and dangerous impact on Wales and the rest of the world, Gordon James, the Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"Wales is a nation with the sea on three sides and most of its population living close to the coast.  A National Trust study [1] has shown that more than seventy per cent of Wales' coastline, much of it internationally renowned, could be severely affected by coastal erosion and flooding this century as a result of climate change.

"A rise in sea level of up to one metre would create major problems for the people, the economy and the environment of Wales. Low lying areas, which include cities like Cardiff and Swansea, would be particularly vulnerable.

"This emphasises the urgent need to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Yet, the UK government has recently announced a cut in expenditure for flood defences of 22 per cent compared to this year's budget [2]. This is like making firemen redundant ahead of the London Blitz. Perhaps it will take the flooding of the House of Commons to ensure an adequate response."

NOTES

1. National Trust Shifting Shores report

2. Guardian Online: Flood defence budget cuts 

For further information, please contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577