Climate map shows which Suffolk landmarks could be underwater …

As a coastal county, it's no secret that Suffolk is particularly susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels. Parts of our 50-mile-long coastline, such as Covehithe and Orford Ness, have felt the brunt of coastal erosion in recent years and sadly the problem will only get worse in decades to come. Research from US-based climate research organisation Climate Central has laid bare how Suffolk could be impacted by rising water levels by the middle of this century.

In fact, a map produced by Climate Central has predicted which parts of Suffolk could be below the projected annual flood level by 2050. According to the map, large parts of coastal Suffolk could be severely impacted by flooding by the time we reach 2050. Starting in the north of the county, the map suggests that the UK's most easterly point - Ness Point in Lowestoft - will be flooded by 2050.

Meanwhile, parts of Beccles could be underwater if the River Waveney's water levels rise as predicted. Areas as far inland as Bungay could be impacted if the river's banks burst as Climate Central predicts.

Southwold town centre, which is on high ground, should escape any severe flooding. The same cannot be said for the town's harbour area, which regularly floods as a result of high tides.

Areas around the harbour, including the surrounding marshland, will be under the projected annual flood level in 2050. Looking further south, the entirety of popular National Trust site Orford Ness is predicted to be submerged by the time 2050 rolls around. The Port of Felixstowe could also be underwater by 2050 if Climate Central's predictions materialise.

The town's iconic Landguard Fort could also be below the projected annual flood level by the middle of the century. Parts of Ipswich town centre close to the River Orwell are set to suffer the same fate as much of the Suffolk coast, according to the projections. You can view Climate Central's interactive map here[2].

References

1. ^ The best Suffolk beach as decided by SuffolkLive readers (www.suffolklive.com)
2. ^ here (coastal.climatecentral.org)