For those of us who don’t live near our island shores, these seaside escapes offer a refuge from the daily hustle and bustle of urban life—especially on a beautiful day. Yet, beneath the picturesque facade lies the enduring impact climate change is having on local communities, long after the last campervan and summer surfer has headed back inland.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you will likely have seen the influence that ever-increasing global temperatures are having on our natural habitats: glaciers are melting, fish stocks are depleting, and the thermal expansion of seawater is causing sea levels to rise.

And this increase in sea level is not merely a statistic or solely impacting coastal communities in the Global South; it’s a force that’s reshaping the landscape and the lives of beach-side communities across the UK.

With a coastline stretching an impressive 31,368km, decades of steady sea level rise have brought a tide of challenges. From an increased risk of flooding to relentless coastal erosion, our beloved coastal communities are in jeopardy. Shockingly, it’s predicted that by 2100, one million Britons will be exposed to coastal flooding, and over 100,000 coastal properties will be in danger of being underwater.

Coastal habitats are not only scenic wonders but also vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of wildlife, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Such biodiversity, characterised by sandy beaches and dunes, provide essential nesting grounds for various species of seabirds and sea turtles. However, rising sea levels, beach erosion, and the destabilisation of dune systems are slowly erasing them, placing many species at risk.

In addition to the rising sea levels, coastal communities are also grappling with increasingly frequent and intense weather patterns. Recent storms have wreaked havoc on infrastructure and biodiversity, causing substantial damage to properties and land through storm surges and coastal flooding. Regions like Suffolk, Norfolk, Yorkshire, and Dorset in particular, are vulnerable to coastal erosion due to the presence of soft sandstone and limestone. As well as coastal erosion, there are also low-lying areas such as in East Anglia and the Thames Estuary, which are highly susceptible to flooding.

It’s not just the environmental impacts that are tearing apart our communities however; there are significant social consequences too.

Many coastal communities depend on industries such as fishing and tourism to support their local economies. Climate change disrupts these sectors disproportionately, affecting aquatic species, creating perilous conditions for fishing, and diminishing the attractiveness of coastal areas for tourists.

Coastal infrastructure also plays a pivotal role in the functionality and economic vitality of these communities and regions. Yet the infrastructure that is being relied on is increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm damage, posing a multifaceted challenge for transportation and trade.

As sea levels continue to rise, coastal communities across British coastlines are at risk of the saltwater intrusion phenomenon—something that is often overlooked despite its significant impact on both drinking water and agriculture. Saltwater intrusion can wreak havoc on agriculture in coastal areas, as irrigation practices and farming rely on freshwater sources and the presence of salt in the soil can be toxic to many crops.

To make matters worse, our summers are growing longer and hotter. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, have direct and often severe health impacts on coastal communities, with vulnerable populations being particularly at risk. Heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, are on the rise, along with increased risks of dehydration, heat stress, and exacerbated respiratory issues. Addressing the direct health impacts of heatwaves on coastal communities, especially for vulnerable populations, is an urgent public health priority. Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, along with community engagement and public health interventions, are critical for safeguarding the well-being of coastal residents in the face of more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

As individuals, we must do our bit to protect our coastal areas and communities, but how do we reduce our impact on the sea and protect those living on the oceans’ doorstep?

Ultimately, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—but we all know that’s a lot easier said than done, especially as it truly relies on large, multi-billion global corporations and governments to step up and make the changes we’re all calling for.

If you live in or near a coastal community, you can help by regulating human activities to prevent the loss of marine habitats and maintain the ecosystems by keeping spaces clean, organising educational workshops with local schools, and by donating to non-profit organisations that focus on protecting marine life.

There are of course things you can do daily, including using less plastic, reducing your energy consumption, and supporting local fisheries when purchasing seafood. The most important individual act of them all, however, is to use your voice—educate your friends and family, vote, and support organisations that protect marine life and coastal resources

The unseen impact of climate change on UK coastal towns is a stark reminder of the urgency with which we must address the challenges that lie before us. The serene vistas of our cherished seaside escapes should not become symbols of a vanishing world, but rather catalysts for united action.

It is in our hands to preserve the beauty and resilience of these communities, ensuring that they remain a haven for generations to come. Let this be a call for change, for adaptation, and for a future where the coastline remains a sanctuary, not merely a battleground against the forces of climate change.