Using the past to understand the future

Predicting the future is only as good as the information we know today, but scientists are able to develop models of expected change over time based on historical and current data.

The Jacobs team is using a range of scenarios and certainties for projecting future changes to our coastline due to sea-level rise.

As we look further out, projections usually become less certain, but they are still valuable in giving greater certainty of what we might have to plan for.

Like a road map, we can use this information to plan our journey, but also to work out different routes or destinations if conditions change along the way. We will have a greater range and probably cheaper options the earlier we identify the need to switch direction.