Parts of Northern and North East Lincolnshire could be below flooding level by 2070 as sea levels rise
Climate Central has created a map to highlight the places that need protecting
Vast parts of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe could be below flooding level by 2070 as sea levels rise.
The shocking projection shows large parts of the towns on the banks of the River Humber at risk of flooding, as well as settlements near the Ancholme and Trent.
The map from Climate Central identifies areas which are low enough to be affected by expected flooding.
As global warming melts the ice caps, this is expected to become worse.
This projection – which would see thousands of homes across northern Lincolnshire potentially at risk – is based on a scenario where countries don’t do enough to halt climate change.
All areas in red are predicted to be at risk in a typical year’s flooding.
This includes much of North East Lincolnshire’s coast, including Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham.
Much of the area lies less than a metre above the current high tide mark, and could be at risk from sea levels rising, abnormal tides and storm surges.
Tidal waters could also reach as far inland as Healing or Stallingborough.
In North Lincolnshire, the data predicts that the Ancholme will pose a risk to settlements on both sides, particuarly Brigg.
The western half of Scunthorpe is also shown as under threat from the River Trent, along with all other towns and villages along its banks.
Areas which are protected by higher ground aren’t included in the list of places under threat.
Predictions further into the future show even more ground where flooding could reach if climatte change isn’t controlled.
The creators of the map say that it should be used to help identify places which need more protection, rather than as a definite forecast.
It also doesn’t account for flood defence measures which have been put in place to protect communities.
The information on sea level rise is based on a study which analysed 35 years of global data.
The interactive map can be seen on Climate Central’s website.