Flattened towns and villages, exclusion zones, states of emergency, a military presence, evacuated families, temporary shelters, lost homes, businesses, pets and memories have dominated the headlines over the past few years. But these reports haven’t told the stories of far-off, war-torn countries. These events are much closer to home. They are the stories of the first UK coastal communities to suffer the consequences of climate change.
When we finally acknowledge traditional buildings are no longer fit for purpose, and embrace more flexible spaces, we will rise to the challenges of climate change. Amphibious and floating buildings are designed to adapt to rising water levels, enabling communities to continue to live and work during the impending climate instability.
If we embrace a new type of building, we can still look forward to a future where we live and work in Wainfleet, before retiring to the thriving Welsh coastal village of Fairbourne.