VAST swathes of low-lying Somerset land could be underwater in just 6 years, according to the latest data on climate change.

The non-profit organisation Climate Central has visualised the latest data on its Coastal Risk Screening Tool, which projects that, by 2030, areas including Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea could be underwater.

It comes as the Global Carbon Project predicts that emissions will rise by 0.8% in 2024, which risks increasing global temperatures and contributing to climate-driven extreme storms, floods and rising sea levels.

According to Climate Central’s data, towns and villages along the Severn estuary, the Parrett estuary, and the Somerset Levels and Moors would be mostly affected by rising sea levels.

These areas are already vulnerable to flooding, as evidenced over a decade ago with the extensive floods of 2013/14. Climate central projects that Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, parts of Bridgwater, Westonzoyland, Burrowbridge, East Lyng, Huntspill, Mark, Brean and Lympsham would all be affected by sea level rise and coastal flooding.

Speaking in 2023 as the Associate Member for Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, former councillor, Dixie Darch said: “18% of Somerset is below high tide level, and this level will increase with climate change.”

“Projections developed by the Environment Agency as part of the ‘Climate Change Allowances’ show that peak river flows are expected to increase by around 40% by 2080 (over and above 2013/14 levels), with increases of 85% possible by 2080.”

A 20-year Flood Action Plan was devised in response to the flooding of 2013/14, with six main objectives. The Somerset Rivers’ Authority, which receives more than £3 million in Council Tax, oversees the work being undertaken as part of the 20-year Flood Action Plan.  

While Climate Central’s latest data does visualise the potential impact of rising sea levels on Somerset, it does not account for the positive impact that projects – such as the £249 million Bridgwater Tidal Barrier – might have in mitigating the worst impacts of localised flooding in the county. It also does not take into consideration any effect pre-existing coastal defences would have.