Radical sea defence rethink urged

Rising sea levels and more storms could mean that parts of at-risk cities will need to be surrendered to protect homes and businesses, a report warns.

The authors say that “radical thinking” is needed to develop sea defences that can cope with the future threats.

About 10 million people in England and Wales live in flood risk areas.

The project, launched on Friday, is a joint venture between the Institution of Civil Engineers (Ice) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).

The report, Facing up to Rising Sea Levels, urges the government, planning authorities and the public, to act sooner rather than later.

“If we act now, we can adapt in such a way that will prevent mass disruption and allow coastal communities to continue to prosper,” said Riba president Ruth Reed.

“But the key word is ‘now’,” she added.

BBC