What our coastlines can tell us about the planet’s past and future
Feb 28, 2025
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In this discussion, writer Matthew Yeomans, author of 'Seascape: Notes from a Changing Coastline', shares insights from his explorations along the Welsh coastline. He highlights how coastlines reveal both our planet's history and its climate change future. Yeomans emphasizes the pressing threat of coastal flooding and advocates for nature-based solutions to protect these vital landscapes. From historical significance to innovative practices like sandscaping, he offers a compelling look at the resilience of our shores.
Coastal landscapes reveal crucial insights into climate change impacts, underscoring the urgency of addressing coastal flooding and erosion.
Historical geological discoveries inform our understanding of current environmental challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human settlements.
Deep dives
The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Landscapes
Climate change poses a significant threat to coastlines, as exemplified through observations made while walking the Welsh coastline. The author discusses the reality of coastal flooding and how nature-based solutions might be essential in mitigating these effects. By examining the shifting dynamics and various landmarks along the coast, it becomes evident that understanding the past can illustrate potential future challenges. This exploration reveals the intimate relationship between humanity and the sea, underlining how historical patterns inform present-day concerns.
Historical Perspectives on Coastal Evolution
The history of the Welsh coastline is rich with geological discoveries that reveal the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. The work of Reverend William Buckland, known as the father of British geology, illustrates how early geological finds, such as the Red Lady of Paviland, reshaped human understanding of the past. These discoveries, while initially misinterpreted due to prevailing beliefs, highlight the long-standing impacts of natural processes, including erosion and rising sea levels, on human settlements. By understanding past geological events, significant insights can be drawn about current coastal changes.
Biodiversity and Environmental Interactions
The impact of coastal changes extends beyond human communities, significantly affecting local wildlife and biodiversity. The decline of habitats such as salt marshes and seagrass is a pressing concern, as escalating flooding threatens migratory bird populations and other species reliant on these ecosystems. In response to this crisis, efforts to propagate and preserve these natural defenses are underway, aiming to increase their resilience against climate impacts. These initiatives showcase the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the necessity of considering environmental balance when addressing coastal challenges.
From the dramatic caves that bring to mind the pirates and smugglers of yore to the rolling sand dunes many of us likely played in as children, our coastlines are home to all manner of fascinating features, forged over centuries by crashing waves and harsh, unforgiving weather. But far from simply being picturesque, these landmarks can teach us about our planet’s past and ultimately, its future.
In this episode, we speak to writer and author Matthew Yeomans about his latest book Seascape: Notes from a Changing Coastline.
He speaks to us about the observations he made of the many and varied effects of climate change while walking along the Welsh coastline, how the threat of coastal flooding is very real and how nature-based solutions may well be the most effective way of protecting our precious coastlines.