Some coastal communities are now facing the very real prospect of having to desert their homes due to climate change.
The Government has released its first national strategy for adaptation.
It includes plans for the likely retreat of entire communities or towns affected by sea level rise.
GNS Science Environment and Climate Research Lead Richard Levy told Kate Hawkesby some people will simply have to pack up and move on.
He says insurance companies are going to have to do what's called "insurance retreat", where some places may become uninsurable, forcing people to leave.
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