Council focused on sealevel changes
The news that significant sea level rises over the next three decades are inevitable comes at a time of extreme weather across the globe.
A recent UN Climate Report says that we can no longer make any impact in mid-term rises in the coming three decades.
However, South Ayrshire Council says it does not need to change its approach.
The council insists that it has already been working towards the sort of levels indicated in the report - around half a metre in by 2050. The report also warns of extreme sea events that would normally be once a century happening every single year by 2100.
A council spokesperson said:“We continue to work hard to reduce emissions and adapt to our changing climate, including rising sea levels.
“Our Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy focuses on these issues and involves services from across the Council.
“We are ensuring we have the correct infrastructure in place, so that our roads, bridges, housing and other buildings can cope with changing weather patterns.”
While the sea level rise is undeniable,
the council says it continues to work towards greater environmentally sustainable projects.
The spokesperson added:“We are helping the environment by planting trees, restoring sand dunes, stopping the use of single use plastics, increasing the number of electric vehicles in our fleet and ensuring our buildings are as energy efficient as possible.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which produced the report, states:
- Climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions.
- Coastal areas will see continued sea level rise throughout the 21st century, contributing to more frequent and severe coastal flooding in low-lying areas and coastal erosion. Extreme sea level events that previously occurred once in 100 years could happen every year by the end of this century.