2B.10a economic and social losses from coastal recession

Question 1

economic costs

Answer 1

• loss of property –> homes, businesses and farmland

cost for a 100m length of new road is about £150,000-£250,000

it is estimated that 200 homes and several roads will fall into the sea between Flamborough Head and Spurn Point( on the Holderness coast) by 2100

the UK Environment Agency has estimated that over 800 properties in England and Wales will be lost to coastal erosion by 2035

Question 2

social costs

Answer 2

• relocation
• loss of livelihood/jobs
• possible impacts on health (stress or worry)
• losses of amenity areas linked to tourism and recreation or aesthetic value

Question 3

environmental costs

Answer 3

• loss of coastal ecosystems and habitats

Question 4

why do economic losses because of erosion tend to be small

Answer 4

• erosion happens slowly with a small number of properties affected over a long period of time
• property that is at risk loses its value long before it is destroyed by erosion
• areas with high-density populations tend to be protected by coastal defences

Question 5

help if people lose their homes to the sea

Answer 5

‘Coastal Change Pathfinder’ projects in the UK

• provide up to £1000 in relocation expenses
• provide up to £200 in hardship expenses