Responding to climate change around England's coast - The scale of the transformational challenge

Around the world coastal communities face an unprecedented challenge in responding to sea level rise and associated changes. For many through incremental adaptation may be appropriate (although not without limits). This include progressively raising defences, nourishing beaches, other conventional management measures. Such actions are well supported by existing governance structures investment vehicles. others however, continuing provide protection from flooding technically feasible or financially viable. these communities, transformational will needed (including realignment relocation). Implementing change, is difficult requires a clarity of long-term planning means supporting take early action making this transition. paper explores scale England 2100. The combined influences relative Sea Level Rise local lowering foreshore platform due increased wave-driven surface erosion considered. realism published shoreline policies (set out within England's Shoreline Management Plans) assessed based on projected changes flood risk benefit-cost considerations. assessment suggests 1,600–1,900 km (?30%) currently designated as ‘Hold-the-Line’ policy likely see increasing pressure realign (assuming Global Mean Surface Temperature between 2 4 °C 2100) with implications for ?120,000–160,000 residential non-residential properties 2050s. It that proportion require relocation. possible say how be. matter government funding priorities influence outcomes.