Shifting Shores: CEREMA’s Report on Coastal Erosion’s Impact on French Territories
CEREMA’s report warns of coastal erosion in France: 74km² retreat by 2050, 450k residences threatened by 2100. Urgent action needed to mitigate risks.
The report unveiled by the Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility, and Planning (CEREMA) on April 4th delves into the significant repercussions of coastal erosion throughout France. Leveraging aerial imagery and satellite data, the report presents a detailed analysis of potential scenarios spanning 2028, 2050, and 2100.
By 2050, a “probable” scenario suggests a worrying coastal retreat of 74 square kilometers, posing a direct threat to 5,208 residences. The estimated cost associated with this scenario amounts to approximately 1.1 billion euros, indicating substantial economic consequences.
Looking further ahead to 2100, an “inaction scenario” paints a bleak picture of coastal defense structures disappearing and low-lying coastal areas gradually succumbing to submersion. This dire forecast places an alarming 450,000 residences at risk, with an estimated financial toll reaching a staggering 86 billion euros. The extent of the potential damage underscores the urgency for proactive measures to address coastal erosion and its ramifications.
The regions most heavily impacted by these forecasts include the coastlines of Normandy, Brittany, Vendée, Var, Corsica, and Guadeloupe. These areas face imminent threats to infrastructure, residential areas, and environmental stability due to coastal erosion.
The findings of the report are visually conveyed through two maps: one illustrating the projected scenario for 2050 and the other depicting the outlook for 2100. These visual representations serve to underscore the urgency of addressing coastal erosion and implementing effective mitigation strategies to safeguard coastal communities and vital ecosystems.
