Sea levels are rising. In the next 20 years they are expected to rise by one foot. By 2100 they may be as much as six or more feet higher.

So why is nothing being done to address this here in Southampton?

The Ports (ABP); the City Council; the North Solent SMP (Shoreline Management Plan); and the Environment Agency have all published detailed reports, master plans, and strategy reviews. But nothing is actually being done.

For a city whose livelihood is so intertwined with the ocean and rivers - and that is surrounded by water on three sides - one would think that local, county and national government bodies would be more active than simply publishing reports.

Infrastructure projects such as what Rotterdam or Venice have take 30 or more years to finance and construct. The time to start these projects is now.

It is time that we demand more accountability from our elected officials, civil servants, and their private sector partners as it relates to sea level rise. Our livelihood and survival as a city depends on action and not just writing reports.

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