Scientists' warning for future of Broads

LARGE areas of the Broads are likely to disappear by 2100 and the number of people dying from the effects of heat in cities because of climate change could be twice as many as previously estimated, scientists are warning.

LARGE areas of the Broads are likely to disappear by 2100 and the number of people dying from the effects of heat in cities because of climate change could be twice as many as previously estimated, scientists are warning.

Research being presented to a conference on climate change in Copenhagen claims large areas of the Broads and Thames estuary are likely to vanish under sea by 2100 and cities such as London and Hull will need new flood defences.

Over the three-day event, which began on Tuesday, scientists will reveal how they have now realised that sea levels pose a far bigger threat than previously thought.

A report two years ago concluded that sea-level rises of between 20 and 60cm (8in-23in) would occur by 2100. But now, as Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are melting faster than previously estimated, this figure is now suggested to be up to two metres (6ft).

Experts from the University of East Anglia said the rising sea levels would have a 'huge impact'.