‘Shifting Shores’ draws on research undertaken by Professor Julian Orford and colleagues from Queen’s University Belfast. As well as highlighting future coastal changes it presents information on the potential impact of climate change through sea-level rise and increased storm frequency and severity.
The publication presents an assessment of the likely impacts on a number of National Trust coastal properties. These include the Giant’s Causeway, Murlough Dunes, Newcastle and the northern mudflats at Strangford Lough.
The Minister said that this was the first detailed assessment of coastal responses to current and future climate change as it might affect Northern Ireland. She emphasised that such changes could have long-term implications for us including issues of conservation, tourism and the wider economy.
The Minister added: “I welcome this important and innovative piece of work and want to congratulate the National Trust and the authors of this study in taking a valuable step forward in this area. I hope others will follow suit and I will encourage my Department to provide whatever support it can. Our coast is simply too important to our prosperity and well-being to leave its future to chance.”
Notes to Editors:
- The coastal research report on which ‘Shifting Shores’ is based, is entitled ‘Future Coastal Scenarios for Northern Ireland’ was undertaken by J.D. Orford, N. Betts, J.A.G. Cooper and B.J. Smith.
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