Date published: 28th January 2025
The Environment Agency has released an updated National Coastal Erosion Risk Map (NCERM) for the UK, showing areas at risk of coastal erosion. This new map includes projections based on climate change and rising sea levels, providing a clearer picture for places like North Norfolk.
This latest update, known as NCERM2, comes after the last version in 2017. It uses the best available data to illustrate current and future risks of coastal erosion across the UK.
Additionally, the Environment Agency has introduced a National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA). This assessment focuses on flood risks from rivers, seas, and surface water, giving us a comprehensive view of potential flooding hazards.
In North Norfolk, the NaFRA map reveals areas vulnerable to flooding, allowing local authorities to plan better responses. It also shows the expected depth of floods, which is crucial for understanding potential impacts on communities.
The NCERM2 map highlights which areas are projected to face coastal erosion up to the year 2105. It considers both the best-case scenario, where planned management strategies are implemented, and a worst-case scenario without future investments. This data allows us to view current erosion rates alongside various climate change forecasts.
North Norfolk District Council has been proactive in using the Shoreline Management Plans and earlier NCERM data to protect the coastline. The new maps indicate that many homes and businesses could be at risk of erosion, especially as climate change accelerates this process.
To address these challenges, initiatives like Coastwise are underway. This project aims to help coastal communities adapt to erosion impacts. Through Coastwise, local authorities are exploring ways to better support affected residents.
Recent coastal projects in the area include:
- Pathfinder project (2010-2012)
- Sandscaping (2019)
- Cromer and Mundesley Coastal Management Schemes (2024-2025)
- Coastwise (2022-2027)
The Cromer and Mundesley projects focused on repairing sea defenses to safeguard properties from erosion. The Coastwise initiative is particularly significant. It examines how communities can adapt to the ongoing effects of erosion and climate change, aiding the government in planning future support measures.
Cllr Harry Blathwayt, who oversees coastal issues, emphasized the importance of the NCERM2 and NaFRA data. He stated, “These maps show that coastal erosion and flooding are serious national issues, exacerbating due to climate change. While we work to protect our coastlines and waterways, we must also support communities facing inevitable erosion.”
For more information on the NCERM2 and NaFRA data for North Norfolk and the UK, visit the relevant government websites: Check coastal erosion risk and Check long-term flood risk.
Check out this related article: Why Ignoring Environmental Factors and Indigenous Wisdom is Causing Repeated Disasters: Insights from Amitav Ghosh
Source link