Some of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Giant’s Causeway and Liverpool waterfront, could face significant threats from climate change by 2050, according to new research by insurer Aviva.
In its third Building Future Communities report, Aviva outlines how climate-related risks such as flooding, subsidence, and extreme heat could affect millions of homes, businesses, and cultural sites. The report combines new data and analysis to show the growing need for urgent adaptation measures to make the UK more climate-ready.
“In the UK we have seen the impacts of our changing climate and this year is no exception. Record temperatures, wildfires and flash flooding have affected lives across the globe and it is clear that action is needed to adapt to the increasing frequency of these events,” Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland general insurance at Aviva, said.
“Millions more properties could be at risk from flooding, with rising temperatures, increased urbanisation, and inadequate drainage exacerbating the risks in future.”
The report warns that well-known locations such as Cardiff Bay, York city centre, and the Liverpool waterfront are increasingly vulnerable to flooding from rising sea levels and heavier rainfall. Even Edinburgh Castle, situated on a hill, could face surface water flooding caused by overwhelmed drainage systems during intense rainfall. In Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is likely to suffer from coastal erosion and instability.
Rising temperatures also pose threats to heritage properties such as the Red House in south London, which is already showing signs of subsidence due to clay soil movement. The report notes that continued maintenance and adaptation will be essential to preserve such historic buildings as the climate changes.
Aviva’s analysis shows the number of English homes at risk from flooding could rise by more than a quarter, from 6.3 million to eight million. The number of properties at high risk of surface water flooding may increase by 66%, particularly in densely populated areas such as London, Manchester, and parts of the North East.
Subsidence, already a problem in South East England, could also affect an additional 1.4 million properties by mid-century as rising temperatures dry out soils.
Despite the risks, Storah said that “it is not too late to act,” highlighting that communities, councils and owners are already working to protect vulnerable sites. Aviva has pledged over £80 million to nature-based projects that enhance carbon capture and flood resilience, while also supporting the Flood Re Build Back Better scheme to improve property protection.
Storah added: “By taking vital steps now, we can help safeguard millions of properties and protect important landmarks from climate impacts in the decades to come.”
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