Huge part of Northern Ireland will be underwater in less than three decades if drastic action is not taken to halt runaway climate change.
That's according to a new interactive map built by Climate Central which shows what parts of Derry and its surrounding areas will be underwater by 2050.
The Climate Central group describes itself as ‘an independent group of scientists and communicators who research and report the facts about our changing climate’.
Read more: MLA slams lack of support for businesses affected by flooding in North West
In its ‘Coastal Risk Screening Tool’, a sliding scale allows users to see what is called ‘Land Projected To Be Below Flood Level’ in any given year.
When moved to 2050, the map shows in red how large parts of Derry, particularly around the areas close to the River Foyle - including Derry's Quayside, the Derry Airport and Benone Beach - according to the group’s estimation, ‘below water level’.
Other areas that appear to be at risk include St Columb's Park, Foyle Road and Victoria Road. The Waterfoot Hotel, the Derry Port, and the Bay Road area are also highlighted.
The conclusion that should be drawn from viewing the map is clear: if we don't stop releasing greenhouse gases into the air, large parts of Derry and other parts of Northern Ireland will be underwater.
Climate Central says their ‘Sea Level Rise’ program ‘assesses and maps coastal threats globally’. It concentrates largely on the US but has data on coastlines across the world.
Reacting to the news, Former Environment Minister and Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: "Without radical action the impact of the climate crisis on Derry and the North over the next few decades does not bear thinking about.
"We only have to look at the recent soaring temperatures and flooding to see the impact our changing environment is having and we need to heed this warning before it’s too late.
“The Executive has been dragging their heels on this issue for far too long, it’s only this year that the Assembly passed its first climate change legislation and regrettably we still have people trying to play down the seriousness of this issue.
“If we want to protect our planet for future generations then time is of the essence. We know what we need to do to avoid a situation where harmful climate events become the norm in places like Derry and it’s important that we keep fighting until the political and public will is there to make the changes necessary to ensure our way of life does not become under threat.”
Speaking following a weekend of heavy rainfall in the North West - which resulted in flooding for area in Derry and Strabane - Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: “I also fully recognise the need to introduce longer-term solutions as swiftly as possible to reduce the impacts of further flooding.
"That is why my Department is taking forward a number of Flood Alleviation Schemes across the north. We are currently progressing proposals for three specific schemes in Drumahoe, Eglinton and Derry City.
“Ground investigation works have already been completed at Eglinton and Drumhoe which will aid design development and will be used to determine the type of defence that can be constructed at each location.
"Significant progress is being made and subject to being able to demonstrate economic viability and affordability, it is intended that these schemes could then progress via design and procurement exercises to appoint contractors for the works."
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