Flood Risks Threaten One in Six Properties in England by 2050 Due to Sea-Level Rise, Climate Change [Study]

Flood risks are threatening some homes in the United Kingdom amid the dangers posed by climate change and global warming, according to a new study led by researchers from Bayes Business School in London.

In particular, the study postulates that one in six properties in England by 2050 are facing the said risk from sea-level rise, driven by the climate crisis.

The study utilized data used by some insurance companies to assess the risk of home properties, which are at risk of both inland and ocean floodwaters.

In its assessment, the U.K. research team identified that the risk level of properties depends on their material structure and location relative to flood-prone areas, including low-lying grounds and those near the sea.

The risk is only a fraction of the repercussions presented by the ongoing climate emergency.

In related studies in recent years, scientists have predicted that the global sea level will further rise in the coming decades and by the end of the 21st century.

This will be the case if the current rate of greenhouse gas and fossil fuel emissions continues, causing glaciers and frozen ice sheets to melt.

England Flood Risks

(Photo : Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
KINGSDOWN, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Beachfront houses are pictured on August 3, 2022 in Kingsdown, United Kingdom. A recent report has stated that around four thousand homes along the Kent coast could be lost to rising sea levels over the next 30 years, with the areas around swale and Dover expected to be most affected. Researchers predict that the UK could face a 35cm rise in sea level by 2050 and Sir James Bevan, the chief executive of the Environment Agency has stated that some of the country's seaside towns and villages might have to be abandoned because of rising waters and coastal erosion.

The said research study of Bayes Business School shows how climate-induced flood risk affects the English housing market and its property values, as a means to raise awareness among policymakers and regulators, as reported by Phys.org.

The report, authored by the education institution's Dr. Alexandros Skouralis and Dr. Nicole Lux, revealed that England residential properties at risk of being submerged from floodwaters are sold at 8.14% lower on average.

Meanwhile, properties not affected by the flooding can be sold as high as 32.2% in terms of market value.

Based on the findings, the properties with the highest flood risk are those situated in the east of England, Yorkshire, the Humber, and North West, with a flood risk rate between 10% and 12%.

Areas adjacent to the mentioned locations can also be at risk of coastal flooding.

Also Read: Modern Sea-Level Rise Started in 1863: New Study

Global Sea-Level Rise

While the data is significant, the climate threat of rising ocean levels is not new.

In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the global average sea level has risen by eight to nine inches (21 to 24 centimeters) since the year 1880.

The NOAA assessment supports the evidence that such a modern sea-level rise has occurred since the Industrial Revolution.

The NOAA adds the rate of the increasing ocean levels is accelerating worldwide, wherein it has doubled from 0.06 inches (1.4 millimeters) annually for most of the 20th century to 0.14 inches (3.6 millimeters) per year between 2006 and 2015.

In addition to the eastern England coast, properties in communities such as along the Florida coastline and the East Coast of the United States are also at risk from sea-level rise, based on previous reports.