West Sussex is a ceremonial county located in South East of England. It has extensive coastal areas, as well as many ridges of chalk hills and cliffs. A large portion of its land is rural. The Medmerry coastline is located there, and it has been facing issues with coastal flooding, which has now become a risk for the nearby towns of Selsey and Pagham. There have been some coastal defenses installed; however, they are unsustainable. In 2008, a breach in the shingle bank had already caused damage of £5 million.

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Why are coasts important? 

• Support a range of human activities e.g. tourism, transportation, and fisheries  

• Constantly changing due to deposition or erosion made by waves, making them essential habitats that are able to support many marine plants, animals, and insects

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Environmental Problem: 

• Soil & bank erosion

  • Landslides as soil becomes less compact and less held together 

  • Water quality decreases as it carries sediment from collapsed cliffs/ banks

• Destruction of coastal habitats

  • affects habitats of many flora and fauna ​

• Coastal erosion

  • Loss of land, especially to collapsing cliffs 

  • Homeowners lose property and many lose their homes

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How do climate-change-induced problems impact me?

• Potential threats of saltwater intrusion, which decreases the availability and quality of drinking water

• Loss of land & property 

• Water sports you enjoy may no longer be allowed as the recreation value of the coast decreases