Study highlights the difficulties of preventing flooding on the Baltic coast

Researchers at Kiel University conducted high-resolution modelling to assess flooding scenarios and adaptation strategies for the German Baltic coast after a record storm surge in October 2023. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment and Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, considered current dike lines and proposed managed realignment, a nature-based solution involving controlled breaching and relocation. Results showed neither approach was sufficient to significantly reduce flood risk by 2100. The scientists emphasised the urgency of effective adaptation measures, with the majority of simulated flooding areas located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and identified the importance of considering existing dike disadvantages. (Science Daily)