A recent online search (October 2024) of statistics sourced from recognised scientific bodies paints a sobering picture of the near future both globally and in the UK.

This summary outlines the most likely impacts of climate change Globally by 2045, based on current trends:

1. Global Temperature Rise: Temperatures are projected to rise between 2°C to 2.7°C by 2045, far exceeding the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, due to current insufficient global actions on emissions.

   Source: IPCC, Climate Action Tracker.

2. Sea Level Rise: Sea levels are expected to rise by 35-40 cm due to ice melt and thermal expansion, leading to increased coastal flooding and land loss.

   Source: IPCC, NOAA.

3. Extreme Weather: Heatwaves will become more intense and frequent, with some regions experiencing 50-70 extreme heat days annually by 2045. Severe hurricanes and flooding will become more frequent.

   Source: Union of Concerned Scientists, IPCC.

4. Biodiversity Loss: By 2045, 20-30% of species will be at risk of extinction. Coral reefs and rainforests will experience significant losses.

   Source: IPBES.

5. Food Security: Crop yields could decline by 10-30% in many regions, with food prices potentially rising by 30-80% due to climate disruptions.

   Source: FAO, World Bank.

6. Water Scarcity: 2 billion people will face severe water shortages by 2045, with glaciers in the Himalayas shrinking by up to 50%.

   Source: UN, ICIMOD.

7. Health Impacts: Heat-related deaths could rise by 300,000 annually, with climate change increasing the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.

   Source: WHO.

8. Migration and Conflict: 200-250 million climate refugees may be displaced by 2045, driven by sea-level rise and extreme weather.

   Source: World Bank.

9. Economic Impact: The economic cost of climate inaction could reach $25 trillion annually by 2045, severely impacting global GDP.

   Source: EIU

This summary outlines the most likely impacts of climate change in the UK by 2045, based on current trends:

1. Rising Temperatures: The UK is projected to experience an average temperature rise of 1.5°C to 2°C, with summers becoming significantly hotter and 30-40 extreme heat days annually in London and the southeast.
   • Sources: UK Met Office, IPCC.
2. Increased Flooding: Winter rainfall will increase by 20-30%, leading to more frequent and severe flooding, especially in regions like Yorkshire, Somerset, and the Thames Valley. Cities such as London, Hull, and Bristol will face increased flood risks from sea-level rise of 30-40 cm.
   • Sources: UK Climate Projections (UKCP18), Environment Agency.
3. Coastal Erosion and Sea-Level Rise: Coastal areas, particularly in the East of England and Southwest, will suffer from accelerated erosion, potentially displacing communities and putting up to 170,000 properties at risk of frequent flooding.
   • Source: UK Environment Agency.
4. Food Security: Hotter, drier summers will reduce yields of key crops like wheat and barley, and water shortages could become more frequent, especially in the southeast. Food prices are expected to rise due to disrupted global supply chains.
   • Sources: UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC), FAO.
5. Water Shortages: The southeast UK is expected to face water shortages, necessitating possible water rationing and significant investment in desalination and water recycling infrastructure by 2045.
   • Sources: UK Water Resources Group, Environment Agency.
6. Health Impacts: The increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths will affect the elderly and vulnerable. Vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease may also spread more due to warmer conditions.
   • Sources: UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, Public Health England.
7. Economic Impact: The costs of flood defenses, infrastructure upgrades, and climate adaptation will strain the UK economy. Coastal property values will drop, and sectors like agriculture, tourism, and insurance will face disruptions.
   • Sources: UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC), Economist Intelligence Unit.

The South Coast of the UK is expected to experience significant impacts from climate change, driven primarily by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and ecosystem changes. Key impacts include:

1. **Rising Sea Levels and Flooding
   **The South Coast is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, which could rise by up to 1 meter by 2100 under high-emission scenarios. This will increase the frequency of coastal flooding, especially during storm surges, impacting infrastructure, homes, and businesses in low-lying areas like Portsmouth, Southampton, and parts of Dorset . A 2019 report estimates that over 8,000 properties along the South Coast could be at risk from coastal flooding by 2050 .
2. **Coastal Erosion
   **Climate change is accelerating coastal erosion along the South Coast, especially in areas like Sussex and Dorset. Soft cliffs are particularly vulnerable, leading to increased rates of land loss. A study found that erosion rates could increase by 10-20% by mid-century due to rising sea levels and more intense storms . Coastal defenses will require significant investment to mitigate these effects.
3. **Heatwaves and Health Risks
   **The South Coast will face more frequent and intense heatwaves, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C by 2050 . This poses health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and will strain healthcare systems. The increasing frequency of extreme heat events is also likely to impact tourism, agriculture, and local economies.
4. **Ecosystem Disruption
   **Changes in temperature and weather patterns will impact local biodiversity. Marine life, including key species in fisheries, may shift or decline due to warmer waters, while terrestrial habitats may see shifts in species distributions. Coastal wetlands, important for biodiversity and flood defense, are at risk from both rising sea levels and salinity changes .

In summary, the South Coast of the UK will face rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion, extreme heat, and significant ecosystem changes, all requiring urgent adaptation strategies to mitigate impacts.