Weston-super-Mare, a quintessential British seaside town, faces a precarious future as climate change threatens to submerge parts of the town beneath rising sea levels.
A study by Climate Central highlights the risk of flooding for Weston-super-Mare, reflecting wider concerns for many coastal towns across the UK. The Met Office reports that sea levels have risen by approximately 20cm between 1901 and 2018 – the most significant increase in the last 3,000 years – with the rate of rise accelerating alarmingly.
Despite this looming threat, the town showed no signs of imminent danger during a recent visit. With the summer holidays underway, thousands of families were enjoying traditional seaside activities such as eating ice cream, flying kites and sunbathing along the golden shoreline.
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However, if climate scientists’ predictions prove accurate, much of Weston-super-Mare’s iconic attractions-including the Grand Pier, the Marine Lake, the Tropicana and Birnbeck Pier-could eventually be lost to the sea.
One local resident, Thomas Daw, once a youthful political hopeful waiting to become the youngest MP, now runs Grove Collective, a record shop in the town. He is concerned about the potential impact of flooding on local businesses, noting his shop’s basement could be vulnerable in worst-case scenarios. “From some reports I’ve read, we’re looking at increases possibly metres high, and if that’s the case, my business would be at risk, along with many others and residential homes in Weston,” he said.
Steve, a 40-year-old building surveyor relaxing by the seafront, shared his thoughts on the situation: “Living by the sea it’s something to think about. I’ve recently moved away from the seafront, so it’s less of a worry for me personally, but the whole of Weston town centre is close to the shore, so it’s definitely something to consider.”
He added, “You hope the government has it under control. We have good sea defences, but flooding does occur often. You want to believe that the situation is managed safely going forward.”
In response to these concerns, North Somerset Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. Their 2022 emergency action plan acknowledged that the area is “particularly vulnerable to flooding,” as three of the four major towns lie on the coast.
The consequences of flooding extend beyond immediate danger, potentially causing increased home and business insurance costs, reducing tourism, and even leading to homelessness if properties suffer severe water damage.
The council has committed to avoiding development in high-risk flood areas and working in partnership with external organisations to enhance sea defences.
While the global scale of climate change can make the plight of one town seem minor in comparison, Weston-super-Mare’s future remains deeply important to its 82,000 residents, local businesses and the countless visitors who cherish its charming seaside character.
North Somerset Council was approached for comment.