Fairbourne: The Welsh village facing an existential crisis due to rising sea levels
The Welsh village of Fairbourne is facing an existential crisis as it has been identified as being at high risk of future flooding due to climate change. The residents have been told that the village will no longer be inhabitable from 2054, and the council plans to decommission the entire village and turn it back into marshland. This decision has left the 700-strong community in turmoil, with many residents refusing to accept that they will be forced to leave their homes and community behind.
Fairbourne is vulnerable to flooding from multiple sources, including the sea, a nearby estuary, and river run-off. The flood risk is projected to increase drastically over the next 30 years, making it unsustainable to defend the village beyond 2054. The costs of maintaining the flood defences exceed the economic benefits, leading to the council’s decision to decommission the village.
Residents of Fairbourne have proposed alternative solutions, such as the construction of tetrapods to dissipate the force of incoming waves and prevent coastal erosion. They argue that this solution would extend the life of the village and be a more cost-effective option compared to dismantling the entire community. However, the council has not commented on this specific proposal and continues to stand by its decision.
Looking to the Netherlands for inspiration, where communities have successfully adapted to rising water levels and flooding, Fairbourne residents hope for a similar approach that involves community engagement and support for relocation. The Netherlands’ Room for the River program has shown that involving the local community in decision-making and offering support with selling homes and finding new accommodations is crucial for successful adaptation.
Despite the economic proposition of relocating the village, the UK government’s default approach is to “hold the line” and provide protection through flood defences. However, the Climate Change Committee has found that holding the line is not cost-beneficial for certain coastal areas, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
Fairbourne residents continue to wait for a relocation plan and financial support from the council, as they face uncertainty about their future. The lack of compensation and assistance has left many feeling abandoned and unsure of how to proceed. The community remains divided on whether to stay and fight for their village or to consider moving to safer ground in the future.
In the meantime, residents like Kate Hamilton are taking each day as it comes, weighing the benefits of staying in Fairbourne against the risks of potential flooding. The village’s unique way of life and sense of community are irreplaceable, making the prospect of relocation even more daunting for residents like Stuart Eaves.
As the debate over the future of Fairbourne continues, the residents remain steadfast in their determination to preserve their homes and community, even as the threat of rising sea levels looms large. The decision to decommission the village has sparked a fierce resistance among residents, who are fighting to protect their way of life against the forces of nature and government intervention.