A CLIMATE Change study by Climate Central shows the terrifying effects that climate change could have on the city.
Climate Central are an independent research organisation made up of scientists and journalists who research climate change.
An interactive map has been created on their website where you can view how climate change will affect the coastlines of the world.
Source: Climate Central
If these climate change predictions are true, most of the coastline could be lost to the River Itchen.
The map shows that all of Ocean Village could be completely submerged, along with the Saint Mary’s Stadium and large parts of Portswood and Woolston.
The floods could go as far as Itchen Valley Country Park at the very north of the city causing irreversible damage along the way.
Our neighbouring city, Portsmouth and the town of Gosport are also at risk of being completely destroyed by the rising sea levels.
Source: Climate Central
A final year Geography student at Portsmouth University, Jasmine Ortiz Small, said: “The urgency of the matter regarding Southampton and surrounding areas being submerged underwater in less than 30 years needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Image credits: Jemma Elvin
I am worried about our future generations, and rising sea levels pose a serious threat to our livelihoods and homes, especially for places on the coastline like Southampton and Portsmouth.”
The environmental organisation, Southampton Friends of the Earth commented: “We are in a climate emergency, and we need to be planning for the future in ALL that we do.”
They also said: “The pandemic has shown us that prevention is more cost effective than dealing with the effects afterwards, and this is true for climate change too.
Individuals need to make changes to everything they do – as every “small” decision builds up.
Use private cars less, think before buying and remember the power of every pound spent, it’s up to individuals as well as Governments to care for our planet.”
While Climate Central claim that the map incorporates the most accurate elevation data they also admit that the calculations include “some error” due to the big databases they have used.
These maps are meant to be used as a way to identify risk areas that may require more investigation.
By: Eva Paldamova (@EvaPaldamova) and Shivalika Puri (@Shivalikapuri)
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